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Chile forest fire arrest revives old anti-Jewish theories

January 6, 2012 10:24
Firefighters at the Torres del Paine national park

By

Jennifer Lipman,

Jennifer Lipman

1 min read

Antisemitic conspiracy theories have appeared on Chilean websites following the arrest of an Israeli tourist in connection with a devastating forest fire.

Rotem Singer, 23, has been questioned by police for allegedly starting the blaze at the Torres del Paine national park by failing to extinguish burning toilet paper.

He has denied any involvement but has been ordered to remain in Chile while the investigation is carried out. If convicted, he could face a fine and up to 60 days in jail.

His arrest has been fruit for conspiracy theorists, who are blaming Israel for this fire and a wave of similar ones that swept Chile over the last week.

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