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Sydney siege: Man behind stand-off named as Iranian cleric Man Haron Monis
Updated
Iranian cleric Man Haron Monis is the man police believe is behind the siege at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Sydney’s Martin Place.
Monis, who was granted political asylum in Australia, is currently on bail for a string of violent offences, including being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife.
He is also facing more than 40 sexual and indecent assault charges and has a conviction for sending offensive letters to the families of deceased Australian soldiers.
Police were negotiating with Monis for a large part of Monday prior to officers being seen to storm the building.
He had entered the cafe at about 9:45am (AEDT) and was holding an unknown number of staff and customers inside throughout the day.
His former lawyer, Manny Conditsis, described Monis as an isolated figure who he believes was probably acting alone.
“His ideology is just so strong and so powerful that it clouds his vision for common sense and objectiveness,” he said.