Police have charged a third person in relation to an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, with investigators alleging the incident was directed by Iran. Multiple outlets report that counter-terrorism police made the charge as part of an ongoing investigation into the firebombing of the Adass Synagogue. One report also states that investigators are examining whether the newly charged man knew or understood that Iran had orchestrated the attack, indicating the probe includes questions about the extent of any awareness or involvement by the suspect.
The alleged Iranian direction comes amid public statements by Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. According to one source, Albanese accused Iran last year of directing the synagogue fire. The same outlet also notes that Albanese previously referenced an earlier arson incident in Sydney involving a kosher eatery two months before the Melbourne attack.
The reports consistently describe the new charge as the third suspect in the case, but they do not provide further details on motives, evidence, or court proceedings in the summaries provided.
