RTR4R65U
IN PHOTO: Fighters of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) stand near a pick-up truck mounted with an anti-aircraft weapon in front of a church in the Assyrian village of Tel Jumaa, north of Tel Tamr town February 25, 2015. Kurdish militia pressed an offensive against Islamic State in northeast Syria on Wednesday, cutting one of its supply lines from Iraq, as fears mounted for dozens of Christians abducted by the hardline group. The Assyrian Christians were taken from villages near the town of Tel Tamr, some 20 km (12 miles) to the northwest of the city of Hasaka. There has been no word on their fate. There have been conflicting reports on where the Christians had been taken. REUTERS/Rodi Said

Adam Brookman, the nurse who was charged under new terror laws for willingly assisting Islamic State in Syria, has been remanded in custody until Nov. 16 by magistrate Jelena Popovic. Under the new law, he could face up to 25 years of imprisonment, once charges go up with proper evidence. He was also charged for rendering services with the intention of supporting others to engage in a hostile activity in a foreign state.

Previously, Mr Brookman said that he was forced to work for Islamic State while he nursed in Syria but later surrendered to authorities in Turkey and was finally arrested by the Australian Federal Police at Sydney airport on Friday. However, he was extradited from Sydney to Melbourne and had to appear before the Melbourne magistrates court on Monday.

According to the Guardian, his lawyer, Rob Stary confirmed to the court that he would not apply for bail over the charges. However, Mr Stary, said that, "the federal police have taken the view that Mr Brookman presents as no risk to any person in Australia, and the safety of Australian citizens of course was their primary concern in helping to facilitate Mr Brookman's repatriation."

Mr Brookman, 39 and five of five, reportedly undertook guard's duty, which helped the organisation directly. On Monday, his prosecutors asked for at least 10 weeks time from the court to gather proper evidence from overseas, Skynews reported. "A lot of the information in this case will be sourced from overseas," they said. They are also looking forward to the transcripts of his encrypted conversation, which they believe could constitute an integral part of the evidence.

At the hearing, Mr Brookman, did not speak at all and only responded to the questions by nodding his head. Meanwhile, he was allowed to seat in a normal courtroom dock rather than appearing behind security glass like he did on Sunday. Further investigations into the matter are being carried on, confirmed the federal police.

For feedback, contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au.

RELATED STORIES