France arrests three over attacks on Jewish sites with foreign interference suspected

The three suspects behind the apparent antisemitic vandalism are Serbian nationals who were reportedly apprehended while trying to leave France.

Three Serbian nationals have been arrested in France in connection with the vandalism of Jewish sites in Paris over the weekend, according to local media, with the incident drawing parallels with previous similar cases where Russian involvement was suspected.

Three synagogues, a Jewish restaurant and a Holocaust memorial were sprayed with green paint on Saturday in the city’s historic Marais district and 20th arrondissement.

Authorities in Paris immediately launched an investigation into “damage committed on religious grounds”. On Monday, the Serbian nationals were reportedly arrested in the southeastern region of Alpes-Maritimes as they were preparing to leave France.

The vandalism bears similarities to two other apparent antisemitic attacks on Jewish sites in Paris in recent years, with authorities stating that there was reason to believe Russian intelligence services were involved in a bid to stir tensions in the French society.

Read more: Euronews