Moldovan Couple Accused of Anti-Semitic Graffiti in Paris Claim Orders from Russian Individual

Couple facing deportation to Moldova if convicted; antisemitic graffiti controversy continues as French authorities stop short of labeling it antisemitic due to the blue color of the symbols.

• A 33-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman from Moldova were arrested in Paris for painting blue Stars of David, symbolizing the Jewish religion, on buildings.
• The couple claimed they carried out these actions following orders from an anonymous individual in Russia.
• The couple have been charged with 'degradation aggravated by the fact that it was committed because of origin or religion' and could face deportation to Moldova if found guilty.
• Around 60 blue stencils of the Star of David were found on buildings in Paris's 14th arrondissement since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• While the actions have been condemned as 'despicable' by French officials, they have not been officially labeled as anti-Semitic due to the use of the color blue instead of yellow that was used for Jewish stars in World War II.

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