Trio accused of Melbourne mosque terrorism

Three Melbourne men are fighting charges they firebombed a mosque in an alleged Islamic State-inspired terror attack.

Two of them, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday, while their co-accused Hatim Moukhaiber, 29, faced court via video link.

All three have been charged with engaging in a terrorist act on December 11, 2016 against the Imam Ali Islamic Centre at Fawkner, which is used by the Shia community.

It's alleged they are responsible for a fire that destroyed the mosque.

The two unnamed men also face an additional terrorism charge each over an earlier arson attack on the mosque on November 25, 2016.

The men's alleged ideological motivation will be scrutinised at a 2018 pre-trial hearing that will determine whether they should stand trial.

Forensic experts who analysed the fire damage are expected to give evidence at the four-day contested committal hearing in March.

Federal agents who seized and analysed electronic items - including 17 devices found at Moukhaiber's home - will also be cross-examined.

The men, who have been in custody since they were charged, are due back in court on March 19.