Iran Linked to Melbourne Synagogue Arson, Suspect in Court

Melbourne, Aug 27 (AP) – A man has been charged in connection with an alleged antisemitic arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, which Australia claims was orchestrated by Iran. During a court appearance on Wednesday, the accused, Younes Ali Younes, was remanded in custody.

Ali Younes, aged 20, is the second person to face charges related to the December arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue. Authorities allege that three masked individuals set fire to the synagogue's interior using a liquid accelerant, resulting in significant damage and injuring one worshipper.

Appearing via video link from jail, Younes attended the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Australia asserts that Iran was involved in at least two antisemitic arson incidents.

The court appearance occurred a day after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard of orchestrating attacks on the synagogue and a Sydney kosher restaurant, Lewis' Continental Kitchen, some months prior.

In response, Iran has denied these allegations through its Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, who linked the incidents to broader geopolitical tensions related to Australia's recognition of a Palestinian state.

No direct Iranian involvement has yet been confirmed in court, although the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) claims to have “credible evidence” linking Iran to the attacks.

During his brief court appearance, Ali Younes spoke only twice and was directed to remain in custody until the next court date on December 4.

Ali Younes' alleged accomplice, Giovanni Laulu, aged 21, is also in custody awaiting trial on the same date. Laulu was arrested last month, and both individuals face charges including arson, reckless conduct endangering life, and car theft. Arson is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.

The case is being investigated by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes members from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, and ASIO. Despite being labeled a terrorist act early in the investigation, no terrorism-specific charges have been filed at present.

ASIO's director-general, Mike Burgess, described the Revolutionary Guard's involvement as hidden within a “complex web of proxies.”

Benjamin Klein, a board member of the affected synagogue, expressed shock upon learning about the alleged international terrorism link. He notes that authorities have provided increased security for the congregation, now meeting at a temporary location.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, conveyed the anxiety within the Jewish community, especially as the Sydney restaurant targeted by arson awaits the outcome of the investigation into Iranian involvement.

In Sydney, individuals identified as Wayne Dean Ogden, 40, and Juon Amuoi, 26, remain in custody facing charges related to the eatery attack. Another suspect, Sayed Mohammed Moosawi, has been released on bail after being charged with orchestrating the firebombing incident as the former president of a biker gang.

Prime Minister Albanese has refrained from disclosing details about Iran's alleged involvement in these crimes, citing ongoing investigations and the potential impact on fair trials.

Australia has taken diplomatic action against Iran, with Albanese declaring the Iranian activities as an attack on Australia's social fabric. The Iranian ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, and other diplomats have been expelled.

Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, advised Australians to avoid travel to Iran and encouraged those in the country to leave, as diplomatic personnel have been relocated due to safety concerns. She described the Iranian government as aggressive and unpredictable. (AP)

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)