Moscow, Russia - Court Rejects Synagogue Attacker’s Request for Jury Hearing

Moscow, Russia - A Moscow court has rejected synagogue attacker Alexander Koptsev’s defense’s request to allow a jury to examine his case.

The court in its ruling stressed that the defense first had to ask for preliminary hearings, but failed to do so. “Due to this violation the court has decided to reject the defense’s request to allow a jury to examine Koptsev’s case,” the judge said.

The court has also rejected changing Koptsev’s sentence, according to which he has to remain in custody pending trial, for a written pledge not to leave the country, and has prolonged his term in custody for three months. He is currently awaiting an appeal.

The next court hearings are scheduled for August 15.