Three men are expected to be charged with engaging in a terrorist act, Victoria Police say, following an “extensive investigation” into arson attacks on a Melbourne mosque in 2016.
A 29-year-old man from Meadow Heights, in Melbourne’s north, was arrested late last night.
It will be alleged that the man and two others, who are currently in custody and awaiting trial for planning a terrorist act on Christmas day 2016, caused a serious fire at the Imam Ali Islamic Centre at Fawkner, two weeks earlier, on December 11, 2016.
The three will be charged with engaging in a terrorist act and the two men in custody will also be charged with the same offence in connection at an earlier fire at the centre on November 25, 2016.
Attacking a place of worship is a serious crime, said Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney.
“It is clear that these arson attacks were designed to intimidate and influence those that attend this mosque and the wider Islamic community,” he said.
“These actions have no place in our society.
“Individuals or groups who think they are above the law when it comes to this type of intimidation should think again.”
All three men are expected to be charged later today and they face a maximum penalty of life imprisonmen
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