Chapel Vandalized with Racist Graffiti and Symbols

Case information
Incident date
Country
Italy
Place
Pianella
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Church
Place of Incident
  • Church
Bias Indicators
  • Comments/Written Statements/Gestures/Graffiti
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
  • Victim/Witness Perception
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: Il Centro

Masked vandals defaced the Santa Lucia chapel in Pianella with racist and vulgar graffiti, prompting police investigation and municipal condemnation.

In Pianella, Italy, four unidentified individuals wearing balaclavas vandalized the Santa Lucia chapel by painting racist graffiti, insults, and hostile symbols on its façade. The writings targeted the local Chinese community, which had recently opened a nearby shop, and a well-known foreign resident assisted by the municipality. Among the markings was the number “1312,” referencing the acronym ACAB.

The mayor, Taddeo Manella, condemned the act, stating it was “an unacceptable act of intolerance that has nothing to do with the values of respect, coexistence, and solidarity that distinguish our territory,” and emphasised that “such behavior cannot be trivialised as simple pranks: they are real acts of vandalism.” Carabinieri from the Pianella station conducted forensic examinations and collected witness statements. The municipality pledged support to the private owners of the chapel for cleaning and restoration and urged civic vigilance to protect local heritage.

Source: Il Centro