Vandalism and Death Threats at Church in Leoben

Case information
Incident date
Country
Austria
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Anti-Religion or Humanism Groups
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Insult or Incitement

The Stadtpfarrkirche, the main city parish church, of Leoben was vandalised and damaged in the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 2nd. The perpetrators ripped apart paintings, and destroyed crosses and candle holders. The altar was displaced despites its heavy weight, and on the altar cross the writing „death to priests“ was smeared. The parish priest was also personally threatened with the smeared words „Priest go home, otherwise we will burn down your church.“ A woman was identified a few days later who claims that voices told her to vandalize the church.

Sources:
APA, 3.9.2014


Sources