Armenian Church of St. Mary in Sweden Vandalized Before Christmas

Case information
Incident date
Country
Sweden
Place
Södertälje
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Desecration
  • Theft
  • Vandalism (all)
Place of Incident
  • Church
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: S:Ta Maria Armeniska Apostoliska Kyrkan i Södertälje

St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Södertälje, Sweden, was the target of a raid on 20 December. Intruders gained access through a window leading to a room used for various ceremonies and stole valuable items with great sentimental value for the community. “We didn’t expect this. We are facing an empty altar before Christmas,” said Alexander Sharoyan, the church’s representative. A police investigation has been initiated.

Sources