Giovanni Laulu: Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing accused named

The man police allege carried out the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing spoke only once in court but nodded along with the magistrate’s directions.

A man accused of firebombing the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne’s east has faced court for the first time.

Giovanni Laulu, 21, appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday morning on a series of state and federal charges.

He appeared in the dock wearing a long sleeve black shirt and sported a thin moustache and small beard, only speaking once to confirm his identity.

Mr Laulu was flanked by court security guards and kept consistent eye contact with the magistrate, nodding along with his directions.

Giovanni Laulu was arrested on Wednesday. Picture: Victoria Police.

Mr Laulu has been charged with three offences: arson, recklessly engaging in conduct that placed people inside in danger of death, and vehicle theft.

He did not seek bail and will remain in custody.

Prosecutors sought an extended period of 12 weeks to prepare their brief of evidence against Mr Laulu, noting there had been a “very extensive investigation” over the past seven months and there were 11 mobile phones in need of analysis.

Magistrate Brett Sonnett approved the request, giving the Australian Federal Police until October 23 to hand their case to Mr Laulu’s lawyers.

Mr Laulu was arrested on Wednesday as part of a series of co-ordinated raids across Melbourne’s suburbs by members of the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCCT).

Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO investigators who alleged he was one of three individuals who set fire to the synagogue in Ripponlea on December 6 last year.

CCTV released from the incident earlier this year showed three people smash into the building, one holding a red jerry can, before the building was set alight.

The early-morning fire tore through the synagogue, causing damage to the $20m building and devastating sacred texts.

The individuals arrived at the scene in a blue VW Golf, which police previously alleged was a “communal crime car” used in a series of unrelated attacks, including at the Lux nightclub in South Yarra.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Stephanie Groom (centre) leaves the Melbourne Magistrates' Court following the filing hearing. Picture: Liam Beatty/ NewsWire.

According to Mr Laulu’s charge sheets, police alleged he stole the $40,000 vehicle on December 5 from an address in Tarneit.

The police investigation remains ongoing as investigators seek to make further arrests.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said police investigating the fire were exploring connections with overseas criminals.

Ms Barrett said an AFP officer had been bitten by a dog at a Weirs View property during Mr Laulu’s arrest and was “going to be OK”.

A police firearm was discharged during the arrest and the dog was subsequently euthanised at a veterinary clinic, she said.

Mr Laulu’s arrest and appearance in court comes after another man allegedly involved in stealing the VW Golf was charged on July 16.

The Adass Israel Synagogue received an outpouring of support from the local community. Picture: NewsWire /David Geraghty

With the investigation ongoing, the JCCT is still urging anyone with information to contact investigators.

Ms Barrett said the investigation was still a high priority for all of the involved agencies.

“The effect of this crime has rippled through a community that continues to be targeted by criminals,” she said.

“We will not stand for this, and I want to reassure the public that this is not just a priority investigation for the JCTT but also for the AFP.

“I want to thank the Jewish community across Australia, and in particular the Adass Israel Synagogue congregation, for their stoicism, patience, and the support they have shown the JCTT.”

Mr Laulu’s state charges will next be heard in the Werribee Magistrates Court on August 6, while his Commonwealth charges will be heard on December 4 for a committal mention.

He will appear via video link at those hearings.

Originally published as Giovanni Laulu: Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing accused named