Sweden: Jewish center vandalism not hate crime

Authorities in southern city of Malmo drop investigation into incident involving rocks and firecracker thrown at Jewish community center, saying it was probably a 'derailed prank'

Associated Press|Published: 03.07.13 , 07:18

Swedish authorities have dropped an investigation into the vandalism of a Jewish center in the southern city of Malmo, saying it was probably a "derailed prank" rather than a hate crime.

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Unknown vandals threw rocks and a firecracker at the Jewish community center on September 28 last year, breaking a window in the entrance door.

No one was injured, but the incident raised concerns about an anti-Semitic motive in a city where some Jews say they have been harassed by Arab immigrants.

Police said the perpetrators could not be identified, but Prosecutor Hans Harding on Wednesday said the investigation pointed to "a derailed prank by a group of friends seeking attention."

Officials at the Jewish center didn't immediately answer requests for comment.