As reported on 24 August 2026, two Catholic churches in Siegen were vandalised within approximately two weeks. Swastikas were painted on both churches, while several inverted crosses were also found at St. Marien Church. The use of Nazi and anti-Christian symbols prompted an investigation by the State Security Service.
Around two weeks before the report on 24 August, church representatives of St. Marien Church in Siegen found several swastikas and inverted crosses on the church building. Approximately a week later, another swastika was found graffitied onto St. Michael's Church, approximately one kilometre away.
The graffiti was removed shortly after its discovery. The State Security Service in Hagen is investigating the incidents and has appealed for information from witnesses.
Fr Karl-Hans Köhle, pastor of the local parish association, condemned the vandalism, stating: "It is incomprehensible that people are still drawing such symbols today and apparently expressing solidarity with this era or condoning it in some way."
Sources: katholisch.de, wdr.de
Image: Catholic Church St. Johannes der Täufer