The voices of the accused resonate in the courtroom as two men have pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged arson incident at a former synagogue in east London. Dominic Charles-Turner, 31, and Moses Edwards, 45, face serious allegations of arson with intent to endanger life concerning the building located on Nelson Street in Whitechapel.
The court proceedings revealed that the incident occurred around 05:00 BST on May 5, when two explosions were reported, followed by a fire at the synagogue’s entrance and gates. Although the synagogue ceased operations in 2020, it still bore Jewish symbols at the time of the incident.
During a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey, barristers representing both defendants confirmed their intention to contest the charges. A plea hearing has been scheduled for September 18.
Firefighters responded promptly to the scene shortly after the explosions. Investigators recovered six wine bottles, two of which were severely damaged by the fire. Some of these bottles were later found to contain a petrol accelerant, according to court reports.
At the time of the fire, the former synagogue was undergoing a transition, as it was in the process of being acquired by a Muslim community group that intended to convert the site into a mosque and community center.
A provisional trial date has been set for April 28, 2027.
Quellen: bbc.co.uk
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