Australian Christian Lobby explosion accused pleads not guilty

The man accused of causing an explosion in front of the Canberra headquarters of the Australian Christian Lobby has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty.

Jaden Duong, 36, has been charged with causing arson and damage after he allegedly blew up gas cylinders in front of the building destroying the van and causing extensive damage to the building and car park.

Duong, who was badly burned in the incident, has pleaded not guilty on the grounds of mental impairment.

The accused did not make an appearance in court today, but was represented by his lawyers. The case will return to court in August.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin told a Senate estimates hearing in February that police believed Duong’s primary motivation was suicide, not political action against the ACL.

Today ACL managing director Lyle Shelton said there were still unanswered questions about the case.

OIP Staff

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