Three men to be charged with terrorism offences over alleged mosque attacks
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Version 0 of 3. Three men are expected to be charged with terrorism offences following arson alleged attacks at a Melbourne mosque last year. Two men, aged 25 and 27, are expected to be charged with engaging in a terrorist act over a serious fire at the Imam Ali Islamic Centre on 11 December, Victoria police said on Sunday. A third man, a 29-year-old from Meadow Heights, is also set to be charged with engaging in a terrorist act in relation to the 11 December fire. He was arrested after his car was pulled over by police in Roxburgh Park late on Saturday. The 25 and 27-year-old men will also be charged with engaging in a terrorist act for allegedly causing a fire at the same Islamic centre on 25 November. Australian federal police assistant commissioner counter terrorism 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,” McCartney said. The three men are expected to be charged on Sunday and face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted. |