Latest news with #AdassIsrael
Perth Now
03-08-2025
- Perth Now
Hunt for man in Scream mask over synagogue graffiti
A synagogue has been spray-painted in a series of hate-fuelled attacks, sparking a hunt for a masked man. The synagogue, at South Yarra in Melbourne's inner southeast, has been the target of graffiti five times from March 11 to July 30. On each occasion, police say an unknown man arrived alone on a black e-scooter and tagged "offensive phrases". Security camera footage was released on Monday in a bid to track down the suspect, who is described as white, of medium build and bald. He usually wore a long black jacket and black and white face covering, but also donned a Ghostface mask from the movie Scream in his two most recent forays on July 22 and 30. "There is absolutely no place at all in our society for hate-based behaviour," police said. Melbourne synagogues have repeatedly become a target after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the nation's subsequent military campaign in Gaza. Two buildings belonging to the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne's southeast, were gutted in an alleged firebombing in December 2024. Giovanni Laulu, 21, was the first person directly charged over the alleged arson and fronted court on Thursday. An allegedly deliberately lit fire at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on July 4 forced a group of about 20 people inside the building to flee. It was roundly condemned, including by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Angelo Loras, a 34-year-old from NSW, has since been charged with reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon.
The Advertiser
31-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Accused synagogue firebomber faces court for first time
A man charged with a "politically motivated" arson attack on a synagogue has faced court for the first time, as investigators continue to comb through piles of evidence. Giovanni Laulu faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday when he did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. The 21-year-old Werribee man has been charged with arson, reckless conduct endangering life and car theft. Two buildings belonging to the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne's southeast, were gutted in the alleged firebombing in December 2024. Police allege Laulu was one of three people who broke into the synagogue and set it ablaze while two congregants were inside preparing for morning prayers. The worshippers were forced to flee for their lives, with one suffering minor injuries. Laulu stared straight ahead from the dock and nodded when magistrate Brett Sonnet addressed him. His lawyer confirmed he had no custody issues and that it was not the first time he had been held in prison. Investigators had conducted raids on seven locations, where they arrested Laulu and seized items including electronic devices. The commonwealth prosecutor sought 12 weeks to gather evidence, revealing 11 mobile phones needed to be analysed. "It's a very extensive investigation - seven months," he told the court. Laulu is also facing a charge of car theft related to a stolen blue Volkswagen Golf sedan allegedly used in other offences as a "communal crime car". A 20-year-old man was arrested in July over his alleged role in stealing the same car linked to separate high profile incidents, including the alleged synagogue firebombing, the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra, and an arson and shooting at Bundoora. Counter-terrorism police suspect overseas and local criminals had worked together on the alleged synagogue arson, and said further arrests and charges are expected. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the force will relentlessly pursue those involved and hold them to account. "People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way," he said. AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the joint counter terrorism taskforce investigation remains a priority and acknowledged the rippling effect the alleged arson had on the community. "The gravity of this crime has not been lessened by time, and I can confirm the (taskforce) continues to investigate the arson attack as a politically motivated crime," she said. Laulu will next face Werribee Magistrates Court on August 6 for separate matters before returning to Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 4. A man charged with a "politically motivated" arson attack on a synagogue has faced court for the first time, as investigators continue to comb through piles of evidence. Giovanni Laulu faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday when he did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. The 21-year-old Werribee man has been charged with arson, reckless conduct endangering life and car theft. Two buildings belonging to the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne's southeast, were gutted in the alleged firebombing in December 2024. Police allege Laulu was one of three people who broke into the synagogue and set it ablaze while two congregants were inside preparing for morning prayers. The worshippers were forced to flee for their lives, with one suffering minor injuries. Laulu stared straight ahead from the dock and nodded when magistrate Brett Sonnet addressed him. His lawyer confirmed he had no custody issues and that it was not the first time he had been held in prison. Investigators had conducted raids on seven locations, where they arrested Laulu and seized items including electronic devices. The commonwealth prosecutor sought 12 weeks to gather evidence, revealing 11 mobile phones needed to be analysed. "It's a very extensive investigation - seven months," he told the court. Laulu is also facing a charge of car theft related to a stolen blue Volkswagen Golf sedan allegedly used in other offences as a "communal crime car". A 20-year-old man was arrested in July over his alleged role in stealing the same car linked to separate high profile incidents, including the alleged synagogue firebombing, the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra, and an arson and shooting at Bundoora. Counter-terrorism police suspect overseas and local criminals had worked together on the alleged synagogue arson, and said further arrests and charges are expected. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the force will relentlessly pursue those involved and hold them to account. "People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way," he said. AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the joint counter terrorism taskforce investigation remains a priority and acknowledged the rippling effect the alleged arson had on the community. "The gravity of this crime has not been lessened by time, and I can confirm the (taskforce) continues to investigate the arson attack as a politically motivated crime," she said. Laulu will next face Werribee Magistrates Court on August 6 for separate matters before returning to Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 4. A man charged with a "politically motivated" arson attack on a synagogue has faced court for the first time, as investigators continue to comb through piles of evidence. Giovanni Laulu faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday when he did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. The 21-year-old Werribee man has been charged with arson, reckless conduct endangering life and car theft. Two buildings belonging to the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne's southeast, were gutted in the alleged firebombing in December 2024. Police allege Laulu was one of three people who broke into the synagogue and set it ablaze while two congregants were inside preparing for morning prayers. The worshippers were forced to flee for their lives, with one suffering minor injuries. Laulu stared straight ahead from the dock and nodded when magistrate Brett Sonnet addressed him. His lawyer confirmed he had no custody issues and that it was not the first time he had been held in prison. Investigators had conducted raids on seven locations, where they arrested Laulu and seized items including electronic devices. The commonwealth prosecutor sought 12 weeks to gather evidence, revealing 11 mobile phones needed to be analysed. "It's a very extensive investigation - seven months," he told the court. Laulu is also facing a charge of car theft related to a stolen blue Volkswagen Golf sedan allegedly used in other offences as a "communal crime car". A 20-year-old man was arrested in July over his alleged role in stealing the same car linked to separate high profile incidents, including the alleged synagogue firebombing, the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra, and an arson and shooting at Bundoora. Counter-terrorism police suspect overseas and local criminals had worked together on the alleged synagogue arson, and said further arrests and charges are expected. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the force will relentlessly pursue those involved and hold them to account. "People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way," he said. AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the joint counter terrorism taskforce investigation remains a priority and acknowledged the rippling effect the alleged arson had on the community. "The gravity of this crime has not been lessened by time, and I can confirm the (taskforce) continues to investigate the arson attack as a politically motivated crime," she said. Laulu will next face Werribee Magistrates Court on August 6 for separate matters before returning to Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 4. A man charged with a "politically motivated" arson attack on a synagogue has faced court for the first time, as investigators continue to comb through piles of evidence. Giovanni Laulu faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday when he did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. The 21-year-old Werribee man has been charged with arson, reckless conduct endangering life and car theft. Two buildings belonging to the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne's southeast, were gutted in the alleged firebombing in December 2024. Police allege Laulu was one of three people who broke into the synagogue and set it ablaze while two congregants were inside preparing for morning prayers. The worshippers were forced to flee for their lives, with one suffering minor injuries. Laulu stared straight ahead from the dock and nodded when magistrate Brett Sonnet addressed him. His lawyer confirmed he had no custody issues and that it was not the first time he had been held in prison. Investigators had conducted raids on seven locations, where they arrested Laulu and seized items including electronic devices. The commonwealth prosecutor sought 12 weeks to gather evidence, revealing 11 mobile phones needed to be analysed. "It's a very extensive investigation - seven months," he told the court. Laulu is also facing a charge of car theft related to a stolen blue Volkswagen Golf sedan allegedly used in other offences as a "communal crime car". A 20-year-old man was arrested in July over his alleged role in stealing the same car linked to separate high profile incidents, including the alleged synagogue firebombing, the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra, and an arson and shooting at Bundoora. Counter-terrorism police suspect overseas and local criminals had worked together on the alleged synagogue arson, and said further arrests and charges are expected. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the force will relentlessly pursue those involved and hold them to account. "People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way," he said. AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the joint counter terrorism taskforce investigation remains a priority and acknowledged the rippling effect the alleged arson had on the community. "The gravity of this crime has not been lessened by time, and I can confirm the (taskforce) continues to investigate the arson attack as a politically motivated crime," she said. Laulu will next face Werribee Magistrates Court on August 6 for separate matters before returning to Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 4.
West Australian
31-07-2025
- West Australian
Accused synagogue firebomber faces court for first time
A man charged with a "politically motivated" arson attack on a synagogue has faced court for the first time, as investigators continue to comb through piles of evidence. Giovanni Laulu faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday when he did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. The 21-year-old Werribee man has been charged with arson, reckless conduct endangering life and car theft. Two buildings belonging to the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne's southeast, were gutted in the alleged firebombing in December 2024. Police allege Laulu was one of three people who broke into the synagogue and set it ablaze while two congregants were inside preparing for morning prayers. The worshippers were forced to flee for their lives, with one suffering minor injuries. Laulu stared straight ahead from the dock and nodded when magistrate Brett Sonnet addressed him. His lawyer confirmed he had no custody issues and that it was not the first time he had been held in prison. Investigators had conducted raids on seven locations, where they arrested Laulu and seized items including electronic devices. The commonwealth prosecutor sought 12 weeks to gather evidence, revealing 11 mobile phones needed to be analysed. "It's a very extensive investigation - seven months," he told the court. Laulu is also facing a charge of car theft related to a stolen blue Volkswagen Golf sedan allegedly used in other offences as a "communal crime car". A 20-year-old man was arrested in July over his alleged role in stealing the same car linked to separate high profile incidents, including the alleged synagogue firebombing, the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra, and an arson and shooting at Bundoora. Counter-terrorism police suspect overseas and local criminals had worked together on the alleged synagogue arson, and said further arrests and charges are expected. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the force will relentlessly pursue those involved and hold them to account. "People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way," he said. AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the joint counter terrorism taskforce investigation remains a priority and acknowledged the rippling effect the alleged arson had on the community. "The gravity of this crime has not been lessened by time, and I can confirm the (taskforce) continues to investigate the arson attack as a politically motivated crime," she said. Laulu will next face Werribee Magistrates Court on August 6 for separate matters before returning to Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 4.
Perth Now
31-07-2025
- Perth Now
Accused synagogue firebomber faces court for first time
A man charged with a "politically motivated" arson attack on a synagogue has faced court for the first time, as investigators continue to comb through piles of evidence. Giovanni Laulu faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday when he did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. The 21-year-old Werribee man has been charged with arson, reckless conduct endangering life and car theft. Two buildings belonging to the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne's southeast, were gutted in the alleged firebombing in December 2024. Police allege Laulu was one of three people who broke into the synagogue and set it ablaze while two congregants were inside preparing for morning prayers. The worshippers were forced to flee for their lives, with one suffering minor injuries. Laulu stared straight ahead from the dock and nodded when magistrate Brett Sonnet addressed him. His lawyer confirmed he had no custody issues and that it was not the first time he had been held in prison. Investigators had conducted raids on seven locations, where they arrested Laulu and seized items including electronic devices. The commonwealth prosecutor sought 12 weeks to gather evidence, revealing 11 mobile phones needed to be analysed. "It's a very extensive investigation - seven months," he told the court. Laulu is also facing a charge of car theft related to a stolen blue Volkswagen Golf sedan allegedly used in other offences as a "communal crime car". A 20-year-old man was arrested in July over his alleged role in stealing the same car linked to separate high profile incidents, including the alleged synagogue firebombing, the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra, and an arson and shooting at Bundoora. Counter-terrorism police suspect overseas and local criminals had worked together on the alleged synagogue arson, and said further arrests and charges are expected. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the force will relentlessly pursue those involved and hold them to account. "People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way," he said. AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the joint counter terrorism taskforce investigation remains a priority and acknowledged the rippling effect the alleged arson had on the community. "The gravity of this crime has not been lessened by time, and I can confirm the (taskforce) continues to investigate the arson attack as a politically motivated crime," she said. Laulu will next face Werribee Magistrates Court on August 6 for separate matters before returning to Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 4.
SBS Australia
30-07-2025
- SBS Australia
Police arrest man over Melbourne synagogue firebombing; say overseas links being investigated
Police say overseas and local criminals are suspected of working together in the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne last year. They arrested one of three men they allege carried out the arson attack. A 21-year-old Werribee man was arrested in Melbourne's west during one of multiple search warrants carried out around the city on Wednesday. The man is yet to be charged. Two buildings belonging to the Adass Israel synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south-east were destroyed in December 2024 , with the fire attack forcing two congregants inside preparing for morning prayers to flee the building. Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters she expected more people to be arrested in the future. AFP deputy commissioner Krissy Barrett (left) said there could be more arrests in the future. Source: AAP / Rachael Ward She said the complex investigation included exploring the involvement of offshore criminals, who are suspected of working with associates in Victoria. "The motivation is still being assessed and we will make further comments at an appropriate time about that," Barrett said. An AFP officer involved with the 21-year-old's arrest is in hospital after being bitten by an unrestrained dog, which has since been euthanised. Members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, as well as other international partners, have been involved in the investigation. Victoria Police deputy commissioner Wendy Steendam said there was no evidence to suggest any links between the Adass Israel synagogue fire and a long-running criminal war over illegal tobacco in Melbourne or a separate fire at an east Melbourne synagogue. "I want to reassure Victorians, particularly those in the Jewish community, that we remain relentless in our pursuit in finding all those responsible for this crime and holding them to account," she said. Police executed seven search warrants across Melbourne on Wednesday, seizing various items, including electronic devices, which will be forensically examined. In July, a 20-year-old man was arrested and charged over his alleged role in stealing a car linked to the Ripponlea synagogue fire. There had been mounting pressure for police to make further arrests, with CCTV footage released by counter-terror police showing three people in hoodies getting out of a car before police claim they damaged the synagogue's entrance. Investigators have urged anyone with further information about the car to come forward immediately. Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, thanked police for their efforts and hoped further arrests would be made. "Only then will a deterrent be established against this sort of chilling behaviour."
