All 13 young members of the Hasidic Jewish community have reportedly pleaded not guilty to charges related to the defacement of a wall at a famous Brooklyn synagogue that led to a mayhem that was caught on camera during Wednesday’s arraignment.
The young men appeared in court on charges including criminal mischief and obstruction of government, but the other four defendants were absent because they were in Israel and also served as their lawyers. he told the New York Times.
The court ruled that the defendants were forced to surrender their passports but were still allowed to enter the synagogue, the newspaper reported.
In January, police clashed with synagogue gangsters armed with shovels who were digging secret tunnels beneath the Crown Heights religious complex.
At the time, officials said the young rebels took the action because higher-ups were slowing efforts to expand the synagogue’s sanctuary.
This is a developing story. Please check back for the latest information.
