Feb 9 • 03:19 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

ABC to air Four Corners episode on Bondi terror attack despite Asio claim of ‘significant errors of fact’

The ABC's Four Corners will air an investigation into the Bondi terror attack despite Asio's preemptive claim of factual errors in the episode.

ABC's investigative program Four Corners is set to air an episode detailing the Bondi terror attack that occurred on December 14, which resulted in significant loss of life. The program titled 'Path to Terror' will explore the radicalization of Sajid and Naveed Akram, the alleged perpetrators, while questioning whether there were failures on the part of intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies prior to the attack. This incident is noted as Australia's worst terrorist attack and has raised serious concerns within the community about safety and security.

In an unusual move, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio) publicly declared their concerns over the episode, citing 'significant errors of fact.' They allege that the ABC relied on unreliable sources and did not provide Asio with the final version of the program for review before airing, which led them to respond based on preliminary questions posed by the station. The statement from Asio adds another layer of complexity to the discourse surrounding the accountability and transparency of intelligence agencies in relation to community safety and the management of risks associated with radicalization.

Public reaction is likely to be mixed, with some likely viewing the investigative episode as an important step in holding authorities accountable, while others may worry about the implications of Asio's claims regarding the portrayal of sensitive information. As the episode airs, it is expected to ignite further discussion about the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in dealing with terrorism and the balance between public safety and the presumption of innocence for individuals subject to suspicion.

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