The suspected Islamist gunman holding up to 30 people hostage in a downtown Sydney coffee shop is demanding to speak with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott as security forces surround the premises in a tense stand-off.
According to Sky News Australia, the man is also demanding that authorities deliver Islamic State flags to the café. Earlier on Monday, hostages were seen holding a black flag with Arabic and Islamic insignia against the window of the Lindt café in the center of Sydney’s business hub.
