Moscow Synagogue Attacker Gets 13 Years

Koptsev in court on March 21 (ITAR-TASS) March 27, 2006 -- A 21-year-old man who assaulted worshippers in a Moscow synagogue has been sentenced to 13 years in jail.

Aleksandr Koptsev broke into a Moscow synagogue during a prayer service in January and stabbed at least eight men.


The Moscow Municipal Court found Koptsev guilty of attempted murder with religious and racial motives. The court also ordered that he undergo psychiatric treatment while in custody.


Prosecutors say Koptsev acted alone and did not belong to any extremist group.


(ITAR-TASS, RIA Novosti)

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