US EditionAustralian judge rules synagogue arsonist was motivated by mental illness, not antisemitism
Magistrate ruled Angelo Loras acted under schizophrenia-related delusions, not hatred, ordering medical treatment and community service after synagogue arson causing AU$54,000 damage.
- Magistrate Malcolm Thomas on Monday ruled Angelo Loras acted under a delusion from untreated schizophrenia, not antisemitism, during the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation attack.
- Since the Israel and Hamas war began in 2023, reports of antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents have risen sharply, and government leaders initially suspected the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation attack was a hate crime.
- Angelo Loras doused the front door of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation with flammable liquid and ignited it while around 20 worshippers shared a Shabbat meal; no one was injured.
- While eligible for release, Thomas ordered Loras to continue medical treatment for 20 months and perform unpaid work, advising the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation not to seek restitution for the $35,000 damage.
- The development sits amid allegations that Iran's forces were involved in earlier attacks, with Australian spy agencies accusing Iran's Revolutionary Guards of arson on Adass Israel Synagogue last year and a Sydney kosher food business, which Iran denies.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Australian judge rules synagogue arsonist was motivated by mental illness, not antisemitism
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A man who set fire to a Melbourne synagogue while worshippers were inside was motivated by mental illness rather than antisemitism, an Australian magistrate said on Monday. Angelo Loras, 35, had pleaded guilty to arson and recklessly placing people at risk of death on July 4 when he doused the front door of the East Melbourne Synagogue with flammable liquid and ignited it. Around 20 worshippers were inside sharing a S…
Australian Judge Rules Synagogue Arsonist Was Motivated by Mental Illness, Not Antisemitism
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A man who set fire to a Melbourne synagogue while worshippers were inside was motivated by mental illness rather than antisemitism, an Australian magistrate said on Monday. Join our WhatsApp group Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email Angelo Loras, 35, had pleaded guilty to arson and recklessly placing people at risk […]
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