Teenage Boy Suspected Of Arson Of 18th-Century Russian Church

The church in the city of Kondopoga had been one of the tallest wooden churches in northern Russia. (file photo)

Russian investigators say they suspect a 15-year-old boy of setting fire to a 18th-century wooden church in the northwestern region of Karelia.

The Investigative Committee said on August 13 that the suspected teenager was detained and will undergo a psychiatric examination.

The church in the city of Kondopoga was completely destroyed by fire on August 10.

The church, listed as a federal cultural heritage site, was built in 1774.

With a height of 42 meters, it was one of the tallest wooden churches in northern Russia.