Final suspect in 2024 Melbourne shul arson case indicted by Australian police
More than 18 months after a shul was set on fire, Australian police on Friday announced charges against a third suspect in the arson attack on Melbourne’s East Synagogue.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials have alleged the attack was one of two incidents carried out at Iran’s direction, prompting Australia to expel Iran’s ambassador and close its embassy in Tehran. However, the charges remain criminal in nature, with no terrorism or antisemitism counts. The 20-year-old suspect has not been publicly identified.
A joint counterterrorism team comprising Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, and intelligence officials charged the man with arson, criminal damage, reckless endangerment of life, and vehicle theft. The offenses carry potential penalties of up to 15 years for arson and up to 10 years for each of the other charges.
Prosecutors allege the suspect was one of three men who broke into the shul on December 6, 2024, poured flammable liquid inside, and set it ablaze while dozens of members of the kehillah were present. No one was injured, but the building suffered extensive damage.
All three alleged arsonists have now been charged, while another person is accused of stealing the vehicle used in the attack.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said all alleged perpetrators had been identified and charged, while Acting Victoria Police Commissioner Paul O’Halloran said antisemitic attacks remain a top investigative priority.
Authorities continue seeking information and believe some witnesses may have lied to obstruct the investigation.
The case has fueled anger within Australia’s Jewish community, where some argue the investigation has moved too slowly and criticize the absence of terrorism-related charges amid a broader rise in antisemitism since the war began.
