Graves Vandalized and Crosses Destroyed in German Cemetery

Case information
Incident date
Country
Germany
Place
Phillipsburg
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Cemetery
  • Vandalism of Public Christian Symbol
Religious Freedom / Discrimination
  • Censorship or Removal of Public Christian Symbols
Place of Incident
  • Cemetery
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
  • Time/Place/Location
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: Stadt Philippsburg

On November 23, the cemetery of Phillipsburg was found devastated. Unknown perpetrators vandalised grave decorations during the night. They tore out crosses, flower vases and figures. A wooden cross was found smashed on the ground.

The mayor commented that "The relatives, who had already been informed, were just as shocked as we were". "Is nothing sacred to them anymore?" asked the mayor.

Sources