Nun Assaulted and Cross Torn Off in Religious Hate Incident in Bielsk Podlaski
A nun was violently attacked at a bus stop in Bielsk Podlaski when a man approached her, insulted her, and forcibly tore a cross from her neck before throwing it to the ground. The suspect fled but was later arrested by police and is under investigation.
The incident occurred on 5 May 2026 at around 13:30 at a bus stop on Mickiewicza Street in Bielsk Podlaski. Sister Krystyna, aged 71, was waiting for a bus when a young man suddenly approached her.
According to police, the man began insulting the nun and grabbing the cross she was wearing around her neck. He then tore the cross off and threw it onto the roadway. The suspect reportedly attempted to leave by bus, but the victim prevented him from boarding, after which he fled on foot.
The attack specifically targeted visible Christian religious symbols and the victim’s identity as a Catholic nun. Police formally classified the incident as an insult and physical violation committed because of the victim’s religious affiliation.
Following a search operation, police arrested a 26-year-old Ukrainian citizen in a nearby residential area. According to the Bielsk Podlaski police, he was charged with insulting a Catholic nun because of her religious affiliation and violating her physical integrity. Authorities stated that the suspect faces up to three years in prison. Because the offence was additionally classified as hooliganism, the potential sentence may be increased by half.
In comments to local media, Sister Krystyna emphasized that the nationality of the attacker was not important to her. She stated:
“Never in my life has something like this happened to me. I have lived in Bielsk for more than 70 years. I was born here, I know this place, I work here, and I meet people of different faiths and nationalities. In my surroundings there are many Orthodox people and we have always treated each other with respect.”
Photo: wpolsce24