Eastern European neo-Nazi leader gets 15 years for violent plots

The leader of an Eastern European neo-Nazi group has been sentenced in New York to 15 years in prison for trying to recruit others to commit violent acts against Jews and racial minorities. Prosecutors say Michail Chkhikvishvili was known as “Commander Butcher” and led the Maniac Murder Cult, promoting violence through the “Hater’s Handbook.” He pleaded guilty in November to soliciting hate crimes and distributing bomb-making information. The 22-year-old was sentenced Wednesday. His lawyer cited his client's mental health struggles and said he “fell under the spell” of violent extreme content online, but has since reformed. Chkhikvishvili expressed remorse, acknowledging the harm caused by his actions.