Accused Woollahra anti-Semite arson and graffiti attacker Thomas Stojanovski out on bail
A man alleged to have committed an arson and vandalism attack in which anti-Semitic slurs were graffitied on vehicles and restaurants in Sydney had less to say when released on bail.
A man alleged to have committed an arson and vandalism attack in which anti-Semitic slurs were graffitied on vehicles and restaurants in a prominent Jewish neighbourhood in Sydney had less to say when released on bail on Thursday.
Thomas Stojanovski, 20, appeared to smirk when asked questions about his alleged involvement in the “racially motivated” attack where a large number of cars at Woollahra, in Sydney’s east, were spray-painted with the words “f..k Israel” and “PKK is coming”, causing an estimated $100,000 worth of damage.
It is the first time an individual before the court, alleged to be behind one of several anti-Semitic attacks that have hit Sydney’s eastern suburbs and have struck fear into the hearts of Jewish Australians across the country, has been questioned about their alleged actions.
After spending more than three months in custody on remand, Mr Stojanovski was granted bail on Wednesday by Supreme Court Justice Julia Lonergan, with conditions including that he abide by house arrest, but he was released on Thursday.
Escorted by his father from the maximum security section of Parklea correctional centre in Sydney’s northwest, Mr Stojanovski said he would not comment on what has been described as a “racially motivated hate crime”.
Dressed in the same music festival tank top and shorts he was wearing at the time of his arrest in November 2024 and clutching a Bible, Mr Stojanaovski refused to answer questions, including whether he was behind the attacks, was an anti-Semite or hated the state of Israel.
He was arrested at his Arncliffe home in southern Sydney a week after the attack and charged with 21 offences, including 14 counts of destroying or damaging property, three counts of entering land with intent to commit an indictable offence and two counts of destroying property using fire.
Video from the evening, obtained by The Australian at the time, appeared to show two hooded figures at the scene with one appearing to be carrying a bag or jerry can.
On Wednesday the Crown prosecution argued that Mr Stojanovski was one of two men captured on separate CCTV footage during the attack and could be identified by a cast on his left wrist, NCA NewsWire reported.
At the time of his arrest he had a cast on his left arm but it has since been removed.
The court heard Mr Stojanovski and an accomplice allegedly arrived in a vehicle that they abandoned and departed in an Uber, and one man could be seen spray-painting their targets while another held a torch and acted as a lookout.
Justice Lonergan said she was satisfied that the risks posed by Mr Stojanovski could be addressed by strict bail conditions.
She noted his case might not be finalised for nine to 18 months, and his representatives said the case was weak.
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