Controversial leaders of reclusive Muslim sect are granted bail after 'refusing to obey Australia's laws because they are against Islam'

Dr Mustapha Kara-Ali

By ALEX CHAPMAN and STEPHEN GIBBS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

The founder of a reclusive Muslim sect and his brother will be released from prison after a court heard they believed they are exempt from Australian laws.

Dr Mustapha Kara-Ali and his brother Diaa were arrested on Sunday at their religious site in the regional New South Wales town of Colo after ignoring court appearance orders for months.

They were charged with four counts of contempt of court after ignoring instructions to remove buildings, fences and flagpoles, which were allegedly illegally installed.

The brothers argue they are exempt from Australian law because the work performed on their property was done as an imam of the guild, classifying it as a religious charity.

During the hearing, Dr Kara-Ali denounced the court's ability to fairly judge him, saying they showed 'the emblem of another religion', referring to the Southern Cross and St George Cross emblazoned on the front of Australian courthouses.

'We are not being dictated to by another religion,' he said

Justice Terry Sheahan replied: 'You are not exempt from the law of the land, you thumbed your nose at the authority of the court.'

Dr Kara-Ali claims the council has no power to tell Diwan Al Dawla - the religious guild - what to do because they are 'not required to comply with the law'.

The brothers say the guild is a 'basic religious charity' registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for profits Commission (ACNC).

'Charities who meet the definition of Basic Religious Charity do not have to submit annual financial reports, and they do not have to comply with the ACNC governance standards which include... 'Compliance with Australian laws',' Dr Kara-Ali wrote.

According to the imam, that also puts his guild above the law.

That claim is not supported by the ACNC.

The pair had been issued with court appearance orders in September, but vehemently refused to attend because of the Southern Cross and the Cross of St George to be an affront to Islam.

'Because of the religious symbolism of the court, that contradicts with my religion. For my religion to be free I can't be dictated to by another religion,' Dr Kara-Ali said.

The court heard the brothers had ignored repeated calls for them to stop developments on the site.

Lawyer for the council, Mark Cottom, said an officer had requested police accompany them on an inspection of the property in case they were required to force entry, according to the ABC.

'The police appear to have significant concerns in relation to safety... wishing to have the riot squad and Polair available,' Mr Cottom said.

Dr Kara-Ali said that was 'just plain ridiculous'.

'There is no need for the police,' he said. All the police would find is 'a group of people praying and a few horses.'

'We are living our life like we desire. We desire to be separate from the secular. Is this too much to ask? And the secular wants to intimidate us with military might.'

'We are more powerful than their helicopters.'

The brothers were granted bail on Monday and will be allowed to walk free from the Amber Laurel Correctional Centre once they surrender their passports and pay $8,000.