An accused Adass Israel synagogue arsonist has been released on bail with a magistrate saying his decision was “line-ball”, especially when members of the Jewish congregation were still traumatised by the fire.

Giovanni Laulu, 21, watched via video link from prison as magistrate Leon Fluxman handed down his decision on Friday, issuing him with an imposing list of 22 bail conditions including a ban on attending places of Jewish worship.

Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard Laulu and two others allegedly used 100 litres of fuel to set fire to the synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne’s south-east, about 4.15am on December 6, 2024.

The trio allegedly drove to the site in a stolen Volkswagen then smashed their way in using an axe before setting the place of worship alight.

The blaze, which ca

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