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              Abbott: Australian Hostage Taker was Sick, Disturbed

   by VOA News

   Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the hostage-taking
   at a Sydney cafe as the "sick fantasy of a disturbed individual."

   Prime Minister Abbott on Tuesday joined Australians in mourning the
   victims of the siege, which ended when police conducted a dramatic,
   early morning raid to free the hostages. Two hostages and the gunman
   were killed in the shootout.

   After placing flowers at a makeshift memorial, Abbott described the
   Iranian-born suspect as "deeply disturbed" and said he had a long
   history of crime, mental instability and involvement in extremism.

   The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Man Haron Monis, was well-known
   to Australian authorities, but Abbott said the man did not appear to be
   on a terrorist watch list.

   The self-proclaimed Muslim cleric was out on bail after charges related
   to the 2013 killing of his ex-wife. He had also been found guilty of
   sending threatening letters to the parents of Australian soldiers who
   died in Afghanistan.

   During the standoff, Monis forced hostages to hold up a flag with an
   Islamic statement of faith. In statements to media, Monis said he
   supported the Islamic State group.

   Australian officials have stressed Monis does not appear to be
   connected with any terrorist group. New South Wales police have called
   the attack an "isolated incident."

   Australian Muslims groups released a statement condemning the
   hostage-taking and Monis' use of the Islamic flag.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/abbott-australian-hostage-taker-was-sick-disturbed/2560539.html