Major update on Melbourne synagogue firebombing a day after Anthony Albanese claimed Iran was behind it Man, 20, charged over synagogue firebombing ASIO linked Iran to Melbourne attack READ MORE: Iran's dirty tricks show it was never about Israel: PVO By MAX ALDRED, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 11:42 EDT, 27 August 2025 | Updated: 11:44 EDT, 27 August 2025 An accused arsonist has fronted court over the alleged firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue, a day after the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) revealed Iran was behind the attack. Younes Ali Younes, 20, is the second man to front court over the attack and appeared via video link in the Magistrates Court for a filing hearing on Wednesday. The Adass Israel Synagogue, in Ripponlea, in Glen Eira in Melbourne's south-east, was set alight about 4am on December 6 as about 20 worshippers gathered for prayers. The attack left two injured. undefinedundefined Full Screen (F) Pause (SPACE) Read More (Shift + O) ?lit$935226751$? Continue watchingafter the adVisit Advertiser websiteGO TO PAGE The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged Mr Younes with arson, conduct endangering life and a theft of a motor vehicle for his alleged involvement the attack. Police allege the Meadow Heights man and two others broke into the synagogue with the intention to set it on fire. The Magistrates Court released charge sheets alleging Mr Younes engaged 'in conduct namely setting fire to the Adass Israel Synagogue ... while persons were inside, that placed those persons in the danger of death,' according to the Australian. Police also alleged Mr Younes stole the blue Volkswagon Golf used to transport the alleged offenders to the synagogue, according to the file. Mr Younes sported the standard, green prison-issue jacket to the hearing, and remained expressionless throughout proceedings. Ali Younes, 20, fronted Melbourne Magistrates Court over the December synagogue firebombing (pictured, the Adass Israel Synagogue after the attack) Police allege the Adass Israel Synagogue was set alight during morning prayers (above, the synagogue in the aftermath of the December 6 firebombing) Minneapolis Catholic school shooter shot FOURTEEN children 52.1k viewing now Mom who hid her baby in a closet and shot a burglar dead is identified 28.2k viewing now What we know about the Minneapolis school shooter after church attack 12.2k viewing now His lawyer did not declare any custody management issues on Mr Younes' behalf, and he did not apply for bail. Co-accused Giovanni Laulu, 21, was also charged with arson, recklessly endangering life and vehicular theft last month. The arson offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years behind bars, while vehicle theft and conduct endangering life can warrant up to 10 years' prison. Neither of the men have been required to enter a plea as yet. Their cases will return to the court on December 4. Anthony Albanese revealed on Tuesday the Iranian government was behind two anti-Semitic attacks in Australia and announced the expulsion of Iran's ambassador. The Prime Minister said ASIO intelligence had discovered that Iran was behind two 'extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression' on Australian soil: the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing in Melbourne on December 6 and the Lewis Continental Kitchen arson in Sydney's Bondi Beach two months earlier. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (above) said ASIO confirmed Iran directed two arson attacks Iran's ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi was expelled following the revelations while other workers left overnight (pictured) 'ASIO has now gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion: that the Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks,' Albanese told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. 'ASIO assesses it's likely Iran directed further attacks as well. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil. 'They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable and the Australian government has taken strong and decisive action in response.' Albanese revealed that Iran's ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, had been expelled, and operations at Australia's embassy in Tehran have been suspended. Members of the Iranian embassy were spotted fleeing Canberra during the night after Anthony Albanese accused the foreign government of 'violent attacks'. Australian personnel at the embassy in Tehran were quickly removed before the news broke, and the federal government has issued notice to Iranian staff in Canberra. Anthony AlbaneseIranMelbourne Share or comment on this article: Major update on Melbourne synagogue firebombing a day after Anthony Albanese claimed Iran was behind it