The Saint-Géry church in Valenciennes was targeted in an act of vandalism, with several religious objects and artworks damaged, including a station of the cross and a statue titled Le Silence. The incident follows a previous episode at the same church, and a man was arrested in connection with the latest case.
The Saint-Géry church in Valenciennes was vandalised on the afternoon of 26 April. Inside the church, several items were damaged, including a station of the cross, a statue titled Le Silence, floral arrangements, furniture, and candles. A man was arrested following the incident.
The episode has been framed locally in the context of concern over repeated damage to places of worship. A local political candidate commented: “Although it may be an isolated act, the repetition of these acts of damage in our country shows the urgent need to strengthen the security of our places of worship and our heritage, both locally and nationally.”
The incident also comes after a previous episode on 22 March at the same church, when three young people entered the building and discharged a fire extinguisher inside. Concern is growing locally as the case comes amid a broader series of recent incidents, including reported vandalism at churches in nearby areas such as Surgères and thefts and damage in cemeteries in the region.