Man charged over riot sparked by preacher’s stabbing granted bail

A man has been granted bail over allegations he incited violence during a chaotic riot triggered by the public stabbing of Assyrian Orthodox Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. Issa Haddad, 28, appeared in Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday via audiovisual link to apply for bail after spending a night in police custody on remand. Police allege he rushed to the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, in Sydney’s west, on Monday after Bishop Emmanuel was stabbed during a livestreamed service. The church leader had been delivering a sermon when he was stabbed multiple times before parishioners intervened. Police arrested a 16-year-old boy at the scene but faced stiff opposition from a large mob who were caught on video smashing patrol cars and damaging property. Police and paramedics were trapped inside the church as 2000 irate people swarmed outside. In the chaos that followed, 51 people were injured and more than 45 police cars were damaged. Mr Haddad was arrested on Saturday and charged with using or threatening violence causing fear for personal safety during the chaos. He is the third person charged over the riot outside the church. On Sunday, the 28-year-old was granted bail with strict conditions which require him to report to police every day. He is also banned from entering the Wakeley area or leaving his house overnight. Mr Haddad will return to court later this month. The attack on the bishop was quickly labelled a terrorist event, which will be investigated by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.