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Trial of Suspects in Arson Against Synagogues Started in London

February 9, 1966
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The trial of three men charged with arson against two London synagogues heard a prosecution statement today that after firemen put out one of the fires, police found anti-Semitic slogans on the back wall of the synagogue.

The slogans were “Heil Hitler” and “We Shall Free Britain from Jewish Rule, ” the prosecutor said in Central Criminal Court. The defendants are Hugh Hughes, 27, Malcolm Sparks, 19, and Alex Gordon, 23. They pleaded not guilty to two charges of maliciously setting fire to the Ilford District Synagogue and the Leabridge Road Synagogue last July 31.

Three other suspects arrested in the arson efforts have pleaded guilty. Sentence on Paul Dukes, 19, Graham Chant, 18 and Colin Rainburd, 20, has been postponed until the close of the trial.

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