COLUMBUS, Ohio – A chilling assault on religious freedom has led to a guilty plea in federal court. Timur Mamatov, 20, of Tipp City, Ohio, stood before Judge Algenon L. Marbley today after admitting to committing a hate crime against Jewish students at The Ohio State University.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed charges against Mamatov for violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the government’s commitment to protect Americans’ right to practice their faith without fear of violence: “This Department of Justice will aggressively enforce federal laws to ensure that all Americans feel safe in practicing and expressing their faith.”
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II echoed the sentiment, asserting Mamatov’s admission in court that he targeted victims based on their religion: “No American should fear being violently attacked based on their religious beliefs. This office will aggressively pursue violence motivated by hate.”
FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola stated that antisemitic violence is unacceptable and has consequences: “Crimes motivated by hate spread fear throughout the community and deeply impact the sense of safety of all residents.” She commended the Ohio State University Police Division and the Columbus Division of Police for their pivotal roles in the investigation.
According to court documents, Mamatov, along with an accomplice, confronted five students outside a Columbus bar on November 10, 2023. One student wore a “Chai” pendant, a common Jewish symbol. Mamatov’s aggression led to one victim fracturing his jaw and another suffering a fractured nose. Mamatov was charged on July 3.
The Hate Crimes Prevention Act makes violating the act punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing for Mamatov will be determined at a future hearing. The case is being represented by Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton and Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Cameron Bell.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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