Catholic cemetery in Smorgon vandalised

Case information
Incident date
Country
Belarus
Place
Smorgon
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Desecration
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Cemetery
Place of Incident
  • Cemetery
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Pattern or Frequency of Attacks
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
  • Victim/Witness Perception
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Symbolic image; not a photograph of the reported incident.Image credit: Pixabay

On Wednesday, May 15, unknown perpetrators set fire to a 19th century large brick chapel on the catholic cemetery in the town of Smorgon in Belarus. An image of Jesus and the roof of the chapel was burned. Parishioners are convinced that there was an act of profanation.

Investigations are underway.

The cemetery belongs to the parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Smorgon. Previously, in December 2023, an unknown perpetrator wrought havoc on the grounds of the church of St. Michael the Archangel. Several religious statues and the priest's car were damaged. OIDAC reported about this case.

Sources