Sydney Siege Gunman Believed To Be Self-Styled Muslim Cleric

Editorial Use Only. Consent Required for Commercial Use and Book PublicationsSheik Haron, who is named in court papers as Man Haron Monis, chained to a railing outside the Downing Centre Court in Sydney in an anti-wa... Editorial Use Only. Consent Required for Commercial Use and Book PublicationsSheik Haron, who is named in court papers as Man Haron Monis, chained to a railing outside the Downing Centre Court in Sydney in an anti-war protest. He had appeared in court to face charges of sending offensive letters to families of Australian soldiers who died in Afghanistan Gunman named as Haron Monis takes hostages in Lindt Cafe, Sydney, Australia - 15 Dec 2014 Gunman named as Haron Monis takes hostages in Lindt Cafe, Sydney, Australia, pictured here at a court appearance in Sydney in 2009 (Rex Features via AP Images) MORE LESS
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SYDNEY (AP) — A gunman who took a number of people hostage inside a Sydney chocolate cafe at the height of Monday morning rush hour is believed to be a self-styled Muslim cleric out on bail on a string of violent charges.

Local media reported early Tuesday that the gunman is Iranian-born Man Haron Monis. A police official said “you wouldn’t be wrong” in identifying the 50-year-old Monis as the gunman. Under department rules, officials do not identify themselves unless speaking at a formal news conference.

Five hostages have fled from the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in downtown Sydney, but an unknown number were still being held inside as the crisis dragged into its second day and 16th hour.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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