Voronezh, Russia – Suspect in Synagogue Vandalism Charged With Hate Crime

Voronezh, Russia – A 20-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime in connection with the vandalization of a synagogue in Voronezh.

The suspect, whom prosecutors euphemistically described as having past connections to "informal groups", was charged with vandalism and an act aimed at inciting inter-ethnic or inter-religious hatred (Article 282 of the Russian criminal code).

He reportedly asserted under interrogation that he painted a swastika on the synagogue while under the influence of alcohol. Most cases of vandalism directed against minority religious sites or cemeteries are prosecuted in Russia under vandalism or "hooliganism" statutes, making the hate crimes charge in this case a relatively rare incident of prosecutors using the full extent of the law. [UCSJ]