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Two Australian men allegedly supplied guns to rebel group in Indonesia that kidnapped NZ pilot
Two Australian men have been charged with allegedly trafficking guns to a violent paramilitary group in Indonesia responsible for kidnapping a New Zealand pilot.
A joint taskforce — comprised of officers from the Australian Federal Police, ASIO, Queensland Police and New Zealand Police — was established after members of the National Liberation Army of West Papua kidnapped Phillip Mehrtens in the Indonesian province in February 2023.
Mehrtens was taken after landing a small aircraft at a remote airstrip at Paro Airport and held for 592 days before being released in September 2024.
READ MORE: Police separate two opposing groups of protesters in Melbourne
The two-year investigation has now led to the arrest of a 64-year-old man from NSW and a 44-year-old man from Queensland.
Police allegedly found evidence linking the pair to the trafficking of guns from Australia to Indonesia.
"The use of these deadly and illegal weapons can have far-reaching consequences if they reach the wrong hands," AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said.
Police will allege the men tried to traffic guns and ammunition to the National Liberation Army of West Papua, and discussed sourcing Australian military guns for the group.
The 64-year-old allegedly travelled to the province to meet with members of the group between March and April last year and allegedly took an optical rifle scope into Indonesia.
Police searched their homes in November and allegedly found several items, including ammunition and 13.6kg of mercury metal.
READ MORE: Timeline shows how Charlie Kirk's shooting and arrest of suspected gunman unfolded
The 64-year-old was charged with exporting tier 2 goods, conspiracy to traffic prohibited firearms or firearm parts out of Australia, unlawful supply of weapons and possession of a controlled substance.
He is facing up to 55 years' imprisonment.
The 44-year-old was charged with exporting tier 2 goods and possessing explosives without authority, which could see him jailed for almost 11 years.
The pair have appeared before court and have been granted bail to both face the Brisbane Magistrates Court on October 17.
"This was a complex investigation involving a number of jurisdictions and challenges, and our focus was always on the safe return of Philip Mehrtens," New Zealand Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett said.
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Tom Phillips: Inside fugitive’s campsite and psyche, and what King Country locals think of the man
Tom Phillips, after four years on the run, was shot dead. His three kids were found safe.
Scuffle breaks out between opposing protesters in Melbourne
A scuffle has broken out between opposing groups of protesters in Melbourne CBD, as crowds of thousands begin to disperse after a mammoth day of demonstrations.
Four protests, including the Indigenous Sovereignty March, Rally Against Racism, and the anti-government Save Australia and Australia Unites rallies, kicked off late this morning and continued into the afternoon.
Footage showed growing tension between anti-racism and anti-government protesters, who were heard shouting at each other.
READ MORE: Thousands of Kiama voters head to the polls for NSW by-election
A small scuffle broke out, and police swarmed in, deploying capsicum spray, according to The Age.
The crowds, some of which flew the Australian flag while others flew the Aboriginal flag, have since begun to disperse.
Hundreds of police lined the city streets today in anticipation of clashes, after violent scenes between March for Australia and pro-Palestine protesters late last month.
A barricade of officers blocked two protests from converging near Parliament House earlier this afternoon.
There have been no reports of any major clashes or injuries so far.
READ MORE: Timeline shows how Charlie Kirk's shooting and arrest of suspected gunman unfolded
There is an unprecedented number of protests happening in Melbourne this weekend, with another two tomorrow.
Police have been granted additional powers allowing them to conduct weapon searches and direct individuals to remove face coverings until 8pm tomorrow.
They can also force any offenders out of the city.
Extra police officers have been deployed in the city's centre as officials fear that the demonstrations could escalate into violence on the streets.
Melbourne's Lord Mayor Nick Reece was frustrated over the decision to allow so many protests to go ahead, stating that locals, as well as himself, are "fed up."
"Melbourne is starting to look like a bar scene from Star Wars, and enough is enough," he told Weekend Today.
Those heading into the city are urged to reconsider their travel plans as significant traffic disruptions are set for this weekend.
There are similar protests happening in most major cities across Australia today.
Indigenous Sovereignty March, Australia Unites and Save Australia are holding rallies in most major cities across the country today.
A remigration rally is also taking place in the Sydney CBD.
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Police investigate sexual assault and drink spiking claims against former England cricketer
A former England cricketer is being investigated over an allegation of sexual assault and drinking spiking claims at a London pub.
The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed to the UK media on Friday that police had interviewed a man in his 40s in June after it received a complaint about an alleged spiking and assault.
It is understood the alleged incident took place on May 22 at a venue in London.
READ MORE: Timeline shows how Charlie Kirk's shooting and arrest of suspected gunman unfolded
"Two women are believed to have been spiked with one also allegedly sexually assaulted," the statement read.
"A man in his 40s was interviewed under caution on Thursday, June 5.
"Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage."
The cricket player has not been publicly identified.
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Cocaine, sawn-off shotgun and ammo seized in Queenstown police stop
A 30-year-old man is due to appear in Queenstown District Court on October 20.
Serial violent offender Kaelmn Waho to remain under supervision until 2029
Kaelmn Waho is a high-risk offender who will be monitored by Corrections until 2029.
Timeline shows how Charlie Kirk’s shooting and arrest of suspected gunman unfolded
Authorities announced the arrest of a 22-year-old Utah man on suspicion of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a Wednesday event at Utah Valley University.
Tyler Robinson was taken into custody on Thursday night, and investigators said they believe he acted alone.
Kirk, the chief executive and co-founder of the conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, was a top podcaster and ally of President Donald Trump.
READ MORE: Alleged killer of Charlie Kirk attempted to get his friend involved in the plot
He led an effort to remake the Republican Party’s get-out-the-vote effort in the 2024 election.
Here are moments leading up to Kirk’s event, his death and Robinson's arrest. All times are local.
Friday, August 29
Ahead of Kirk's visit to Utah Valley University, a change.org petition is started titled “Prevent Charlie Kirk from speaking at Utah Valley University.”
Wednesday, September 3
Utah Valley University releases a statement affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”
Wednesday, September 10
11.52am: The suspected shooter arrives on campus, according to Beau Mason, the commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, who spoke at a Wednesday news conference following Kirk's death.
Noon: Kirk kicks off his event in the Fountain Courtyard of Utah Valley University's Orem Campus.
READ MORE: What we know about Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson
About 12.20pm: As the “debate” portion of Kirk's event began, one gunshot rang out, Utah Valley University spokeswoman Ellen Treanor told the AP.
Authorities believe the gunshot came from the Losee Centre, about 183 metres away from where Kirk was speaking.
12.23pm: A Utah Valley University police officer states, “Alpha 34, we have shots fired. Charlie Kirk is down”, according to a broadcast recording from the department's dispatch line made available by OpenMHz.
Shortly after, a different officer notes that there was gunfire and that Kirk is "on his way to the ambulance. He’s on his way to the hospital".
READ MORE: Charlie Kirk's wife speaks publicly after husband's death
12.39pm: FBI agents arrive on the scene at Utah Valley University, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Around this time, videos begin to appear on social media that show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans ”The American Comeback” and ”Prove Me Wrong”.
A single shot rings out, and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck.
Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away.
12.47pm: Utah Valley University issues an alert that says a “single shot” was fired. It also says that the suspect is in custody.
2.40pm: President Donald Trump announces on social media that Kirk has died.
READ MORE: Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin had deep disdain for the commentator
2.45pm: Orem Mayor David Young says the suspected shooter remains at large.
4.21pm: Patel says on social media that “the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody."
4.30pm: During a news conference, authorities confirm Kirk was brought to Timpanogos Regional Hospital and died there. They say no one is in custody and the suspect remains at large.
5.59pm: Patel posts on social media: "The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency”
READ MORE: Neo-Nazi leader spared jail for 'very serious' police intimidation
Thursday, September 11
7.55pm: The FBI said it was looking for a “person of interest” and released a series of photos showing the person wearing a hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeve black shirt, and a backpack.
Police released video of the person racing across the roof of the building from where authorities say the shot was fired, dropping down to the ground and walking off campus.
At some point that evening, a family member of Robinson's reached out to a family friend who contacted authorities with information that Robinson had confessed or implied that he carried out the shooting, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Friday.
10pm: Robinson was taken into custody, officials said Friday.
Friday, September 12
8.05am: Authorities announce that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah is in custody in Kirk's shooting. Robinson was booked into Utah County Jail.
About 10.20am: A probable cause statement outlines the evidence gathered against Robinson, who was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a weapon causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice.
All are state felony charges, and aggravated murder carries the possibility of the death penalty.
Formal charges are expected early next week.
READ MORE: Aussies need to start preparing for 20-year megadrought, scientist warns
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Auckland Harbour Bridge reopens after severe wind gusts forced full closure, MetService warns of thunderstorms
Traffic backed up after the bridge was closed at 2.30pm.
Auckland pro-Palestine march draws 20,000 calling for Gaza ceasefire
Police said no major incidents were reported despite tense counter-protests.