Sydney Hostage Suspect Had Violent History, Mental Health Issues

The Iranian refugee who held over one dozen hostages in a cafe in Sydney, Australia earlier this week reportedly had a violent past.

The suspect, Man Haron Monis, was living in Australia as a political refugee who was allowed to live in the country in the 1990's. Monis was a self-styled sheikh who reportedly had issues with the Australian government and a violent past.

Monis was facing charges of accessory to murder of his former wife, as well as over 40 counts of sexual and indecent acts toward women. The 50-year-old suspect also made headlines a few years ago for sending threatening letters to family members of fallen Australian soldiers who had fought in the Iraq war.

"He had a long history of violent crime, infatuation with extremism and mental instability," Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott said during a press conference. "As the siege unfolded yesterday, he sought to cloak his actions with the symbolism of the ISIL [ISIS] death cult."

During the 16-hour hostage situation in the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Sydney's financial district, Monis reportedly communicated his demands to police officers through the use of hostages. The suspect also hung the Islamic black flag, used by the Islamic State terrorist organization, in the window of the cafe.

Following a police raid of the cafe, officials announced that three people had been killed during the standoff, including the suspect, who also reportedly suffered from mental health issues. Four other people were taken to the local hospital for minor injuries.