Melbourne, Sept 1 (ZEENEWS.COM) Eleven Muslim men accused of belonging to a terror cell that was plotting a major attack in Australia were ordered Friday to stand trial under the country's tough security laws.

The decision came during a court hearing in the southern city of Melbourne. Magistrate Paul Smith said he was satisfied prosecutors had enough evidence to warrant a trial.

The 11 suspects pleaded innocent to charges that they were members of a terrorist organization. Some face additional charges of funding a terror outfit, and they denied those charges as well.

Smith ordered the men to remain in custody.

The men were among 18 suspects arrested in November in Melbourne and Sydney. Police said the arrests headed off a catastrophic terror attack in Australia, possibly targeting a nuclear reactor in southern Sydney.

Authorities have released few details of the alleged plot but have said some of the suspects trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan and met al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

Prosecutor Mark Dean told the court during the hearing that the group was inspired and influenced strongly by al-Qaida and the teachings of bin Laden.

The men sat calmly behind glass barriers in the dock as the decision to send them to trial was announced, Australian Associated Press reported.

Seven of the 11 refused to stand when directed to do so by Smith.

Algerian-born Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 46, the alleged spiritual leader of the group, was among those committed on Friday to stand trial. The others were Fadal Sayadi, 26, Majed Raad, 22, Amer Haddara, 26, Ahmed Raad, 23, Abdullah Merhi, 21, Hany Taha, 31, Shoue Hammoud, 26, Izzydeen Atik, 26, Bassam Raad, 24, and Ezzit Raad, 24.

Smith put off a decision on two other suspects, Shane Kent, 29, and Aimen Joud, 21, until Sept. 18.

"I am satisfied in relation to all defendants except Mr. Joud and Mr. Kent that there is sufficient evidence upon which a jury could convict," Smith said.