Key facts
- Police charged a third suspect in an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.
- The attack occurred in the early hours of December 6, 2024.
- The 20-year-old suspect faces charges including arson.
- The synagogue sustained extensive damage and a worshipper suffered minor injuries.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard of directing the attack.
Police have charged a third suspect in connection with an alleged Iran-directed arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue. The 20-year-old man, who was already in custody on unrelated charges, faces offenses including arson for the incident that occurred in the early hours of December 6, 2024.
According to police, three masked individuals broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue, doused the interior with flammable liquid, and set it alight. The fire caused significant damage and left one worshipper with minor injuries. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising federal and state police and a spy agency, brought the charges.
This arrest follows the earlier charges against co-accused Giovanni Laulu, 21, and Younes Ali Younes, 20. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously stated that Iran's Revolutionary Guard was behind both this synagogue attack and a similar arson at a Sydney kosher eatery two months prior.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier indicated that investigators are collaborating with international partners and are exploring whether the alleged arsonists were aware of who ordered the attack. Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul O’Halloran confirmed that the local Jewish community was informed of the arrest before it was publicly announced, emphasizing the importance of community safety.