Moscow synagogue suspect on trial

Alexander Koptsev did not belong to a far right group

A 20-year-old man has gone on trial in Moscow accused of attempting to murder Jewish worshippers at a synagogue.

Alexander Koptsev, arrested after an attack on a Moscow synagogue on 11 January, pleaded not guilty.

He injured eight people when he lashed out at random with a knife before being wrestled to the ground by Rabbi Yitzak Kogan and his son, witnesses said.

He faces a maximum of life in prison. He is charged with attempted murder "motivated by racial hatred".

It is alleged that he shouted "I've come here to kill" after bursting into the synagogue.

Attacks targeting people of African, Asian or Jewish origin are on the increase in Russia but the charge against Mr Koptsev is still rarely brought, the BBC's Damian Grammaticas reports from Moscow.

Investigators found anti-Semitic pamphlets at Mr Koptsev's home.

They say he believed Jews were the enemies of the Russian nation. But they insist he was acting alone.

He has been diagnosed with a schizophrenic disorder, but prosecutors said he was still fit to stand trial.