Accused Adass Israel synagogue arsonist bailed with strict conditions

An accused Adass Israel synagogue arsonist has been released on bail with a magistrate saying his decision was “line-ball”, especially when members of the Jewish congregation were still traumatised by the fire.

Giovanni Laulu, 21, watched via video link from prison as magistrate Leon Fluxman handed down his decision on Friday, issuing him with an imposing list of 22 bail conditions including a ban on attending places of Jewish worship.

Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard Laulu and two others allegedly used 100 litres of fuel to set fire to the synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne’s south-east, about 4.15am on December 6, 2024.

The trio allegedly drove to the site in a stolen Volkswagen then smashed their way in using an axe before setting the place of worship alight.

The blaze, which caused more than $20 million damage, was being investigated as a terrorist attack, the court was told.

Prosecutor Diana Karamicov argued Laulu should be refused bail because he was an unacceptable risk of endangering the community and committing further offences.

Karamicov argued the Crown’s case against Laulu was strong and if convicted of the arson charge, he was facing up to 15 years behind bars.

Laulu’s barrister, Dermot Dann, KC, argued the strength of the case was not relevant as Laulu did not need to prove exceptional or compelling reasons to be released.

Dann told the court Laulu had repeatedly denied the offending and given his age, the presumption of innocence and his isolation in custody, he should be released.

The barrister argued strict bail conditions, including a curfew and location exclusion zones, could alleviate any of the court’s concerns.

Laulu’s mother was also putting forward a $20,000 surety for her son and was willing to have him back home with her if he was released, Dann noted.

In handing down his decision, Fluxman accepted Laulu was a risk to the community but found strict bail conditions could reduce that risk to an acceptable level.

He also acknowledged members of the synagogue and wider Jewish community strongly opposed Laulu’s release.

But Fluxman noted Laulu was a young man who was presumed to be innocent and it was important to promote his rehabilitation while also curtailing his liberty.

The magistrate also emphasised Laulu had not been charged with terror offences, and there was no evidence he was an anti-Semite or had affiliations with terrorist groups.

Laulu will be subjected to 22 bail conditions, including a 9pm to 6am curfew, reporting to police, a ban on driving, that he not go to Ripponlea or within 500 metres of the Adass Israel Synagogue, and a ban on knowingly attending any other places of Jewish worship.

He will have to return to court in November for a bail review hearing.

AAP

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