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Urgent review ordered into background of Sydney siege gunman

An urgent review has been ordered by the Australian government to answer a number of "obvious questions" about what could have been done to prevent the deadly siege at a Sydney café.

It comes as police in Sydney revealed they fought to keep gunman Man Haron Monis, who went on to kill two hostages in a 16-hour siege, in custody - but were overruled by the courts, police chiefs have revealed.

The 50-year-old gunman, who died as police stormed the building, was implicated in a string of serious crimes but had still been granted bail.

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Abbott refuses to deny claims Iran tried to extradite gunman

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has refused to deny claims that Iran had tried, and failed, to extradite Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis in the past.

Answering a question during a press conference, Mr Abbott said he could not deny it - but said he would not confirm the story while the investigation was ongoing.

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