March 13, 2026 04:50 pm (IST)
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Sydney cafe siege gunman identified as Iranian
Sydney, Dec 15 (IBNS) An Iranian man has been identified responsible for holding several people hostage in a Sydney cafe on Monday, media reports said.
He has been identified as Man Haron Monis.
"Self-described cleric, Man Haron Monis, 50, first came to attention of police when he penned poisonous letters to the family of dead Australian soldiers seven years ago," The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
"Last year he was charged with being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife and mother of two.Most recently, he was charged with more than 50 allegations of indecent and sexual assault relating to time allegedly spent as a self-proclaimed 'spiritual healer' who dealt with black magic at a premises in western Sydney more than a decade ago," it said.
The armed man took several people hostages in Lindt Cafe of Sydney in Australia, triggering a crisis even as several of his captives managed to escape.
The Australian police in a statement said: "There is a police operation underway at Martin Place. Police and emergency services have responded and a number of streets around the area have been closed. The Martin Place train station is also shut. Police are dealing with an armed incident and specialist officers are attempting to make contact those inside a café."
"Some nearby offices have been evacuated as a precaution. Anyone else in the area encompassing Hunter, George, Elizabeth and Macquarie streets bordering Martin Place is directed to remain indoors and away from open windows. Anyone in the vicinity but outside that area is free to leave their buildings.Police urge members of the public to remain calm and note that an appropriate police presence is in place," it said.
Australian PM Tony Abbott said the incident is deeply concerning.
"The incident in Martin Place is obviously deeply concerning but all Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough & professional manner," Abbott tweeted.
"I'm proud of the way police and security bodies have responded to the disturbing events today.It’s been a difficult day, which has tested us, but like Australians in all sorts of situations, we have risen to the challenge," he said.
An Indian could be among the hostage in the cafe.
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