Jewish group calls for arson accused to be refused bail
A man charged over a synagogue arson that caused more than $20 million in damage has made a bid for freedom, almost a year after the blaze.
Adass Israel Synagogue fire Photo: Yumi Rosenbaum/AAP
A Jewish congregation has urged a magistrate to keep an accused synagogue arsonist behind bars, telling the court they were still traumatised by the attack.
Giovanni Laulu, 21, made a bid for bail in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being charged over the December 2024 arson.
It’s alleged Laulu and two others used 100 litres of fuel to set fire to the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne’s southeast about 4.15am on December 6.
The trio allegedly drove to the Ripponlea site in a stolen Volkswagen, then smashed their way in using an axe.
Two worshippers were in an adjoining room, and the alleged arsonists turned to look at one of the men as he banged on the window to stop them.
But they proceeded to pour the fuel and set fire to the synagogue before fleeing in the stolen car, Detective Leading Senior Constable Stephanie Groom told the court.
It took 88 firefighters to contain the blaze that caused more than $20 million in damage, she said.
The arson was believed to have been politically motivated and was being investigated as a terrorist attack, the detective said.
Laulu’s alleged motive was not outlined in court, and he denied any involvement in the arson when he was arrested and interviewed by police on July 30.
Sen Const Groom opposed his application for bail on Wednesday, telling the court Laulu was an unacceptable risk of endangering the community and committing further offences.
She outlined his criminal history of violent assaults, affrays and armed robberies, and noted he had been on three counts of bail at the time of the alleged arson.
The detective also read aloud a letter from the Jewish congregation connected to the Adass synagogue, where the community urged magistrate Leon Fluxman to refuse Laulu bail.
“Our synagogue is not just a building, it is the heart and soul of our community,” the letter read.
“The attack has traumatised … our community.”
The letter stated many worshippers had been terrified to return following the “shocking disregard for human life” and there would be immense distress and trauma if Laulu was bailed.
Laulu’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, will cross-examine the detective on Thursday before making submissions on why his client should be released.
Laulu, who appeared via video link from Barwon Prison, was remanded in custody ahead of Thursday’s hearing.
By: Tara Cosoleto/AAP
