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Polynesia: Investigation opened after synagogue vandalized
Authorities in French Polynesia have launched an investigation after the synagogue of Papeete was vandalized on Thursday. The case is being treated as “serious damage motivated by racial or religious reasons,” according to the public prosecutor’s office.
Earlier the same day, the newsroom of the local daily Tahiti Infos received an anonymous call claiming that there was “the blood of Palestinians” on the synagogue gates. When AFP reporters visited the site on Friday, they observed red paint thrown across religious symbols, including a Star of David.
“This indicates that the perpetrator clearly targeted the synagogue and the Jewish faith,” prosecutor Solène Belaouar told AFP. While all leads are being examined, she added that there was no evidence suggesting a terrorist act.
Vandalism of this kind carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison under French law.
A member of the local Jewish community, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed his shock: “I’ve lived in Polynesia for 60 years, and we never had any problems. This is the first time the community has been targeted.” He linked the attack to tensions in the Middle East, noting that the Jewish community in Polynesia numbers around one hundred people.