Suspect detained in attack on Armenian boy in Jerusalem

Israeli police have announced the detention of a man who, according to investigators, sprayed pepper spray in the face of a 9-year-old boy, a Christian of Armenian descent. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post.

The suspect is a 22-year-old resident of the settlement of Ganei Modiin near Jerusalem, which is home mainly to ultra-Orthodox Jews.

The incident took place in Jerusalem’s Mamilla area on Yom Kippur. The reason for the attack was that the boy was riding a bicycle and wearing headphones that day.

Police noted that, following questioning, a decision may be made to bring the detainee to court to extend his detention.

Israeli police also added that they take any manifestation of violence and harassment against minors extremely seriously, especially when committed on the grounds of national or racial hatred.