Suspect in Jewish cemetery vandalism pleads guilty

Advertisement

SYDNEY (JTA) — One of three men charged in the vandalism of a Jewish cemetery in New Zealand pleaded guilty.

Robert Moulden, 19, entered his guilty plea on Monday in Auckland District Court, the local media reported. He will be sentenced in February for his part in desecrating some 20 historic gravestones last month.

Some of the gravestones were painted with swastikas, others with the numbers "88" — code for "Heil Hitler." One said "F••• Israel."

Another man, Christian Landmark, 20, is fighting the charge of intentional damage. He will be back in court in January.

The suspects’ names, which had been suppressed by the court, were released Monday. Their bail conditions remain, including not visiting Jewish schools, synagogues or cemeteries.

Police withdrew charges against a third man in the vandalism.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement