Couple Vandalised Nativity Scene and Cut Off Mary's Hands

Case information
Incident date
Country
Poland
Place
Jasień
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Public Christian Symbol
Religious Freedom / Discrimination
  • Censorship or Removal of Public Christian Symbols
Place of Incident
  • Christian Holiday Display / Celebration
Bias Indicators
  • Comments/Written Statements/Gestures/Graffiti
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: Zielona Gora

A couple of 20-year-olds vandalised a Christmas nativity scene in Jasień on the 7. January. The perpetrators damaged the figures in the nativity scene, including cutting off the hands of Mary. They also stole the crosier. They have been charged with "destruction of property", theft and offending religious feelings. They could face up to 5 years in jail, according to polish authorities.

According to police officers, a 22-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man devastated a Christmas nativity scene in the city centre. The perpetrators broke the hands of the figure of the Mother of God and put a beer on the hand of the figure of St. Józefa. They also damaged the figure of a camel. The value of the losses was initially estimated at at least PLN 5,000. zloty.

Sources