Teen back in court in relation to Montreal synagogue firebombing

A police car sits outside Congregation Beth Tikvah as police investigate alleged arson at the synagogue in the suburb of Dollard-des-Ormeaux in Montreal on Wednesday, Dec.18, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi)

A 19-year-old man is due back in court Thursday in connection with the December firebombing of a Montreal-area synagogue.

Mohamed Ilyess Akodad has pleaded not guilty to two arson-related charges, two counts of attempted arson, one count of destruction of property and one count of possession of incendiary material.

• READ MORE: Jewish community ‘outraged’ after suspected arsons at Montreal-area synagogue, institution

His appearance at the Montreal courthouse is for lawyers and the judge to discuss next steps.

The charges relate to a Dec. 18 fire at the Congregation Beth Tikvah in the Montreal suburb of Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO).

The fire caused minor damage to the synagogue.

Police also found a smashed glass door at the nearby offices of a Jewish community group.

The incident was widely condemned and then-prime minister Justin Trudeau called it a vile antisemitic attack against Montreal’s Jewish community.