Lviv police detain man who extinguished Hanukkah menorah

19-year-old detained by Lviv police. Photo: Facebook.com/MVS.LVIV

Lviv police have identified and detained a young man who damaged the menorah installed on Valova Street. The suspect is a 19-year-old local resident who was intoxicated at the time of the offense, according to the Lviv Regional Police Department.

The incident occurred on January 1. Police reviewed video footage shared on social media showing the suspect approaching the menorah, cutting its power cable, and fleeing the scene. Other individuals present filmed the act. Their procedural status is now under review.

The perpetrator was identified by investigators and officers from Lviv Police District #1, in collaboration with the Criminal Analysis Department of the Lviv Police.

Authorities are currently considering whether to charge the suspect under Article 178 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ("Damage to Religious Structures or Places of Worship").

The penalties under this article include a fine ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 non-taxable minimum incomes, community service for 60 to 240 hours, probationary supervision for up to three years, restriction of freedom for up to three years, or imprisonment for the same period.

The investigation is ongoing.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an unknown individual had extinguished a Jewish menorah in Lviv.

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