Seven arrested in Jerusalem over attacks on religious sites, including Armenian Cathedral

(Horizon Media / JERUSALEM) — Seven suspects were arrested in Jerusalem over the weekend in connection with acts of vandalism and disrespect targeting religious sites, including the Armenian Cathedral of St. James in the Old City, Israel Police said.

Four suspects were arrested on suspicion of spitting at the Armenian Cathedral of St. James, while three others were detained in connection with the vandalism of Muslim graves.

The arrests come amid a series of recent incidents targeting the Armenian Cathedral and members of Jerusalem’s Armenian community. Earlier this month, six suspects — five minors and one adult — were arrested after allegedly throwing stones and spitting at the cathedral.

Jerusalem Armenian journalist Kegham Balian reported that during that incident, stones were also thrown at the window of an Armenian woman who was filming the suspects, while she was subjected to verbal abuse.

The repeated incidents have renewed concerns over harassment and attacks targeting Christian sites and Jerusalem’s historic Armenian community.