From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Suspect in court for Melbourne synagogue arson attack Australia says ordered by Iran
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A man charged with setting fire to a Melbourne synagogue appears in court over an attack Australia says was orchestrated by Iran and has led to the expulsion of Tehran’s ambassador.
Australia said on yesterday Iran sought to disguise its involvement in two 2024 attacks, at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and on a kosher restaurant in Sydney, by using criminals and members of organized crime gangs.
Younes Ali Younes, 20, appeared for the first time via video link at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday in connection with the attack on the synagogue in December 2024, that gutted the building and destroyed sacred texts, causing millions of dollars in damage.
He spoke only to confirm he could hear and understand proceedings, and is yet to enter a plea.
His lawyer, Mark Aouad, declined to comment on the case, that is scheduled to return to court on December 4.
Police have already charged two alleged accomplices.
Canberra is the latest Western government to accuse Iran of carrying out hostile covert activities on its soil. Last month, 14 countries, including Britain, the US, and France, condemned what they called a surge in assassination, kidnapping, and harassment plots by Iranian intelligence services.
The Times of Israel Community.