Two Christian Shrines Vandalised in Zagórz

Case information
Incident date
Country
Poland
Place
Zagórz
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Chapel
  • Vandalism of Public Christian Symbol
  • Intolerance towards Religious Symbols
Place of Incident
  • Chapel
  • Public Christian Symbol (outside place of worship)
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Pattern or Frequency of Attacks
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: esanok

On 23 May, two acts of vandalism were committed against Christian shrines in the Zagórz municipality. In Tarnawa Dolna, the perpetrator smashed the glass of a shrine, removed statues depicting saints, and damaged and scattered them nearby. In a second incident in Zagórz, on Batorego Street, two more shrine windows were broken.

Police immediately began an investigation, interviewing witnesses, securing evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage. Analysis of the camera recordings led to the identification of the suspect, a 23-year-old resident of Sanok County, who had a prior record of property damage.

The suspect was arrested on 12 June. He faces charges under Polish law for offending religious feelings, which can carry a fine, restriction of liberty, or up to two years in prison. He admitted guilt and voluntarily agreed to accept punishment.

Source: esanok