Masood Zakaria, accused in a Sydney double murder, had his trial delayed after a court found his 2023 deportation from Turkey likely violated Turkish law.

Masood Zakaria, a 30-year-old alleged Alameddine gang member, was deported from Turkey to Australia in December 2023 after fleeing in 2021 while on bail and using an Afghan passport. Charged with conspiracy to commit murder and the 2021 double murder of father and son Toufik and Salim Hamze in Sydney, Zakaria sought a trial delay, arguing his deportation violated Turkish law since it occurred while an appeal was pending. NSW Supreme Court Justice Mark Ierace found credible evidence the removal breached Turkish procedures but noted insufficient proof Australian authorities knew the deportation was illegal, citing missing documents. The trial date was vacated, and Zakaria will return to court in October to argue for a permanent stay, which could lead to his release and affect other deportation-related cases. He remains in custody.