Men To Be Charged With Terrorism For Lighting Mosque On Fire

The trio have been arrested.


Article heading image for Men To Be Charged With Terrorism For Lighting Mosque On Fire

The men are accused of setting the Imam Ali Islamic Centre alight (pictured)

Three men accused of lighting a Melbourne mosque on fire last year are expected to be charged with terrorism offences.

On Saturday night a Meadow Heights man, 29, was arrested following a vehicle stop at Roxburgh Park.

The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team alleges he and two other men aged 25 and 27 – already in custody awaiting trial for planning a terrorist act on or about Christmas Day – caused a serious fire at the Imam Ali Islamic Centre on 11 December, 2016.

The pair already in custody will also be charged with the same offence for causing a precious fire at the centre on 25 November, following a joint investigation between Victorian and Federal police.

Australian Federal Police National Manager Counter Terrorism, Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney said attacking a place of worship was a serious crime.

“It is clear that these arson attacks were designed to intimidate and influence those that attend this mosque and the wider Islamic community. These actions have no place in our society."

The charge carries a maximum penalty of life behind bars.

20 August 2017




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