Second man faces court for Adass Israel firebombing, a day after Iran exposed as behind the attacks
A second man has faced court over the alleged Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing, a day after it was revealed Iran had directed the attacks.
A second man has faced court over the alleged firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue, valued at about $20m, a day after it was revealed Iran was behind the attack.
Ali Younes, 20, appeared via video link from Metropolitan Remand Centre on Wednesday for a brief filing hearing.
The Meadow Heights man was charged by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team with arson, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle for his alleged involvement in the destruction of the Ripponlea place of worship in the early hours of December 6 last year.
Police will allege Mr Younes is one of three individuals who broke into the synagogue on Glen Eira Ave, and deliberately set it on fire.
Charge sheets released by the Magistrates Court allege that Mr Younes “did engage in conduct namely setting fire to the Adass Israel Synagogue … while persons were inside, that placed those persons in danger of death”.
About 20 people were reported to be inside the place of worship when it was set alight.
CCTV footage released this year showed masked men smashing their way into the property – estimated to be valued at about $20m – with one carrying a red jerry can. Flames then engulfed the building.
The charge sheets revealed Mr Younes was accused of stealing the blue Volkswagen Golf in which the three offenders arrived at the scene .
Police believe the vehicle was used as a “communal crime car” and has been connected to a string of unrelated incidents – including a firebombing at South Yarra’s Lux Nightclub.
Mr Younes wore a green prison-issued bomber style jacket, and was mostly expressionless throughout the hearing.
He did not apply for bail and his lawyer did not declare any custody management issues.
Last month, Mr Younes’s co-accused – 21-year-old Werribee man Giovanni Laulu – was charged with arson, recklessly endangering life and vehicle theft.
The offence of arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, while theft of motor vehicle and conduct endangering life both carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Neither man has yet been required to enter a plea. They will return to Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 4.
