Lead

Australian federal and state authorities are investigating an arson attack on a Melbourne defence manufacturer as a potential act of terrorism by far-left extremists. The incident, which occurred in July last year, involved three vehicles being set alight and a building being graffitied at Lovitt Technologies in Melbourne's north-east.

A joint statement from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) said the incident was potentially perpetrated by "far-left extremists, motivated by anarchist and revolutionary ideologies," as reported by ABC Australia and The Guardian.

Coverage comparison

ABC Australia reported that the counter-terror team, comprising officers from Victoria Police, the AFP, and ASIO, has released images from a video posted by the group claiming responsibility, along with images from the attack, in the hope of identifying those responsible. The broadcaster noted this is the first time Australian authorities have investigated what they consider to be a potential far-left terror attack.

The Guardian reported that if convicted, the offenders could face life imprisonment, quoting AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall. The Guardian also noted that the group's video advises viewers on how to create an incendiary device similar to one suspected of causing the fire.

Key Claims

  • An arson attack on Lovitt Technologies in Melbourne's north-east occurred in July last year, with three vehicles set alight and a building graffitied, as reported by ABC Australia and The Guardian.
  • A video released after the attack, purportedly from a group claiming responsibility, threatened the manufacturer with a message to "stop arming Israel or else," as reported by ABC Australia.
  • The incident is being investigated as a terror attack potentially orchestrated by far-left extremists with anarchist and revolutionary ideologies, according to a joint statement from AFP, Victoria Police, and ASIO, as reported by both outlets.
  • A speaker in the video, dressed in black and standing before a Palestinian flag, claimed Lovitt Technologies was targeted for supplying parts to the global F-35 fighter jet program, which includes Australia and Israel, as reported by ABC Australia and The Guardian.
  • The group's video advises viewers on how to create an incendiary device similar to the one suspected of causing the fire that damaged three vehicles, as reported by The Guardian.
  • If convicted, the offenders could face life imprisonment, as warned by AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall, as reported by The Guardian.

Perspectives

Australian Federal Police

AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall said police were progressing in their investigation, stating: "We clearly have some information about these alleged offenders and are focused on identifying who they are." He emphasized the seriousness of the criminality, adding: "We cannot overstate the seriousness of this criminality and the AFP, together with our partners, will not tolerate acts of terror motivated by extremist ideologies aiming to cause fear and anguish in our community."

The group claiming responsibility

In a video seen by The Guardian, a person claiming to represent the "anonymous cell" responsible for the attack, with a digitally altered voice, outlined support for Palestine and claimed Lovitt Technologies was targeted because it supported the global F-35 joint strike fighter program, whose jets are used by the Israeli military. The person stated: "This was not an accident nor thoughtless vandalism... If you continue making weapons components of any kind, t..." (The quote was cut off in the material provided.)