Russian, 19, faces deportation from France over Nazi salute outside synagogue

A 19-year-old Russian man faces deportation from France after being sentenced to eight months in prison and permanently banned from French territory for making Nazi salutes near a synagogue. The incident occurred in the northern suburbs of Paris, in the town of Sarcelles, which is home to a significant Jewish community. Alongside the Russian man, a French national of Ukrainian origin appeared in court and was sentenced to six months in prison.

Both were found guilty of multiple charges, including glorifying terrorism. Local residents witnessed the suspects taking photographs of themselves while performing Nazi salutes in front of the religious building. Surveillance footage and images from one of their mobile phones supported the court's findings, revealing the Russian national's actions.

Moise Kahloun, head of the Jewish community in Sarcelles, expressed satisfaction with the court's ruling, stating that it is the only way to overcome the surge of antisemitism. France is home to Western Europe's largest Jewish population, with approximately half a million people. The community has reported a surge in antisemitic incidents following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which led to Israel's military response in the Gaza Strip.