Melbourne Imam Denies Links to Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused of Attacking Captain

A Melbourne imam whose Islamic community centre was named in an investigation into an alleged attack by a Flydubai co-pilot has denied knowing the man, saying he had never met him and had consistently preached peace.

The imam, a Lebanese man identified by local media as Samir Mohtadi, also known as Abu Hamza, issued a statement on social media late on Monday after prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates linked the centre, known as “My Center”, to the co-pilot’s alleged radicalisation.

The co-pilot, an Omani national identified in reports as Hamam Al-Hammami, is in custody in the UAE over allegations that he attacked the captain of a Flydubai aircraft. According to findings released by Emirati prosecutors and published by state media last week, he had been influenced by Al-Qaeda’s September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

Prosecutors alleged that he carried out the attack with the aim of causing the greatest possible loss of life.

The findings said the co-pilot was first radicalised while studying in Australia, where he allegedly read extremist literature and followed online material glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks.

Prosecutors also alleged that he was acquainted with an organisation known as My Center, which they said was managed by Abu Hamza.

Mohtadi rejected the reported connection, saying the co-pilot had never met him and that the centre had no record of the man attending its premises.

“We have no record of him ever attending our center,” he said in his statement.

He also criticised the publication of the allegations without first checking them with him.

“The relevant authorities should have verified these claims with me before releasing or publishing such information,” he said.

Mohtadi said he had “consistently preached peace” throughout his life and firmly rejected violence.

“We unequivocally reject violence in all its forms,” he added.

Neither My Center nor Abu Hamza has been accused of criminal wrongdoing in connection with the case.

Australian police and intelligence agencies have confirmed that they are investigating the co-pilot’s links to Australia following the allegations made by UAE prosecutors. The investigation is expected to examine his activities and associations during his time in the country.

New Zealand authorities have also confirmed that the co-pilot spent time in the country on a six-month student visa, according to national broadcaster RNZ. During that period, he completed part of his flight training.

The allegations have raised questions about the co-pilot’s movements and possible exposure to extremist material across several countries. However, the claims concerning his alleged radicalisation and links to individuals or organisations remain part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have not publicly established any criminal involvement by the Melbourne community centre or its manager, while Mohtadi has denied any personal connection to the accused pilot.