Melbourne synagogue fire leads to major counter-terror probe
Australian authorities re-classified a Melbourne synagogue fire as potential terrorist incident‚ with three suspects still at large. The case sparked diplomatic discussions between Australia and Israel over security matters
The fire at Melbournes Adass Israel synagogue last friday left one person hurt and caused big damage‚ making police change their mind about its nature (they now think its terrorism)
Shane Patton‚ Victoria Police Chief Commissioner said they put together a special team: “We have the best-skilled investigators; people who are expert in this field“ he explained how theyll use more powers to catch three wanted people
The case got bigger when Benjamin Netanyahu and Anthony Albanese got involved in talks: Netanyahu wasnt happy with Australian policies while Albanese agreed the fire looks like terrorism. The whole thing made Australia-Israel friendship a bit shaky
Local police are now doing more rounds in Jewish areas to make everyone feel safe. Since the Mid-east fighting started about a year ago Australia saw more anti-jewish and anti-muslim events — but most pro-Palestine street events stayed calm
The investigation team includes state and federal police plus intelligence people who can now:
* Hold suspects longer
* Use special detention rules
* Get more resources
* Work with counter-terror experts
This is different from what police first thought on friday when they didnt call it terror; now they changed their minds and want to solve this case fast
