Kyiv Post - 04.16.2002

 

Kyiv Post

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Promises to Punish Those Responsible for Synagogue Attack

KYIV, April 16 - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko pledged to Israel's ambassador to Kyiv, Anna Azari, that authorities would do everything possible to punish those responsible for the weekend attack on a synagogue, a ministry spokesman said Tuesday. Zlenko spoke with Azari by telephone on Monday evening, said ministry spokesman Serhiy Borodenkov.

Police reported that "hooligans" had attacked Kyiv's central synagogue, breaking as many as 20 windows and stoning a rabbi and two other Jews after a soccer match on Saturday evening. The alleged assailants also destroyed several phone booths and a shop window on their way to the synagogue, one of three Jewish houses of worship in the Ukrainian capital, officials said. Borodenkov called the incident "regrettable," but did not say if it was considered premeditated. "As of today, I can only say that it was an act of hooliganism," he said. Police said they have questioned 150 people who may have witnessed the attacks. Interior Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Naumov told The Associated Press that police had detained eight people and were still searching for about 40 more suspects. Police have identified the man who they believe incited the attacks, but he remains at large, the Interior Ministry said. President Leonid Kuchma has placed responsibility for the investigation under his direct control, the ministry said.

Jewish leaders on Monday expressed anger about the Ukrainian government's lack of an official condemnation of Saturday's attack. The Ukrainian Jewish community plans to hold a protest on Wednesday.