The speculation of Islam being behind this was because of the banner being held in the window, but according to experts it was not one that the terrorists would use. This man was hoping the police would think that it was a terrorist attack, but they did their homework and quickly knew it was based on home politics, not Middle East politics.
The seige is over, but it's unclear if the man or some hostages may have been killed. We do know that possibly 3 or 4 were injured, but it's too early to know all of the facts. One thing is clear, this man is mentally ill and thought of himself as a wanna be terrorist and cleric.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lindt-chocola ... 278cx.html
The man who is holding more than a dozen people hostage and placed Sydney's CBD into lockdown is no stranger to the NSW police or the judiciary.
Self-described cleric, Man Haron Monis, 50, first came to attention of police when he penned poisonous letters to the family of dead Australian soldiers.
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http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/sydney-sieg ... -1.2148151
The flag is the black standard flag of the Shahada, an Islamic statement of faith, according to former Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) agent Michel Juneau-Katsuya.
Cafe under siege in Martin Place
“This is not the flag that the Islamic State is using. It is the black standard flag or Shahada, which is sort of a statement of faith that some will use, but it is not an ISIS flag," Juneau-Katsuya told CP24.
"Shahada," which translates to "testimony" in Arabic, is an Islamic statement declaring the belief in God, and Muhammad as the messenger of God. Shahada is the first of the five pillars of Islam, and expresses a Muslims' commitment to the religion. The statement is not meant to be used in a hostile nature. It is even featured on some national flags, including that of Saudi Arabia.