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Man Jailed for Hate-Crime Graffiti at Pro-Israel Church

10/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Raunaq Alam received six months in jail for hate-crime graffiti at a church supporting Israel.
The church displayed the Israeli flag and faced accusations of supporting genocide in Gaza.
Alam was arrested in March 2024; damages were initially under $200, later over $750.
The judge jailed him despite jury recommendations for community supervision; his defense argued free speech.

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Story summary

Raunaq Alam received six months in jail for hate-crime graffiti at a church supporting Israel.
The church displayed the Israeli flag and faced accusations of supporting genocide in Gaza.
Alam was arrested in March 2024; damages were initially under $200, later over $750.
The judge jailed him despite jury recommendations for community supervision; his defense argued free speech.