Sydney - An Australian Muslim accused of sending abusive letters to the families of Australian soldiers killed fighting the Taliban chained himself outside a Sydney courtroom Tuesday before delivering a rant about the war in Afghanistan.

Man Monis, also known as Sheik Haron, did not deny sending letters describing Australia's war dead as "pigs" but said his missives to bereaved families promoted peace.

"This pen is my gun, and these words are my bullets," the 45-year-old said. "This is my jihad. I love Australia. I want safety for Australia. I don't want to be used our soldiers [sic] I don't want Australians to be unsafe."

Monis - who in January is to face seven counts of using a postal service to menace, harass or cause offence - was in court for a bail hearing.

His arrest last month sparked calls for the exclusion from citizenship of those whose views were deemed unacceptable. (dpa)