Suspect in Chernihiv detained for damaging Chanukiahs

In Chernihiv, police detained a 22-year-old local resident suspected of involvement in damaging the symbol of the Jewish holiday of Hanukia. The incident, which is qualified as incitement of national or religious hatred, took place on the night of December 21.

According to Ukrinform, citing information from law enforcers, during the operational-search activities, the likely involved in the crime was identified. He turned out to be a 22-year-old local resident. According to police, after committing the offense, the attacker left Chernihiv region and tried to escape in another region.

Police officers promptly located the suspect and carried out his detention. Criminal proceedings were opened against him under part 1 of article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This article provides liability for intentional acts aimed at inciting national, regional, racial or religious enmity and hatred, as well as humiliation of national honor and dignity or insulting the feelings of citizens in connection with their religious beliefs.

Earlier we reported that the head of the Jewish community of Chernihiv, Alexander Chevan, commented on the event with the fallen menorah, expressing confidence that it was not random hooliganism. In his opinion, the action was planned and has a political background, which may be backed by «curators from Russia» who want to stir up anti-Semitism in Ukraine and destabilize the situation.