Chernivtsi resident sentenced to two years in prison for burning a synagogue and vandalism

In Chernivtsi, a 31-year-old local resident was sentenced and found guilty of willful damage to the property of a religious community and hooliganism. According to the court ruling, the offender will spend two years behind bars.

According to Ukrinform news agency with reference to the Chernivtsi regional prosecutor’s office, the man was convicted under part 2 of article 194 and part 1 of article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. When imposing punishment, the court took into account the full confession of guilt and remorse of the defendant, applying the provisions of Article 69 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The investigation established that the criminal activity of the defendant began at the end of October 2025, when he damaged the information board on the territory of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary out of hooligan motives. A month later, on November 27, 2025, the intruder broke into the premises of the Sadgor Synagogue. There he gathered religious books in the center of the prayer hall and set them on fire. As a result of the fire, the books, the stage and the pulpit were destroyed and the unique wall and ceiling paintings were severely damaged.

The accused during the trial confirmed all the circumstances of the committed crimes. It is worth noting that law enforcement agencies continue to pay increased attention to the protection of religious sites, given similar incidents, such as the attempted arson of a temple in Uzhgorod district, recorded in July last year.