Greek Catholic Parish targeted with arson and anti-Ukrainian graffiti
On 5 September, unknown individuals set fire to vegetation on the grounds of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parish in Legnica, damaging part of the property. At approximately the same time, anti-Ukrainian inscriptions were also reported nearby, prompting the Ukrainian Consulate to ask authorities to investigate the motivations behind the incidents, and emphasising that attacks on Ukrainians, religious groups, and places of worship are unacceptable. The incident, which is not the first to target the Ukrainian Catholic community, caused significant emotional distress to the community.
In the Polish city of Legnica, unknown individuals set fire to trees on the grounds of the Greek Catholic Church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, damaging trees and the church fence. Further, an anti-Ukrainian message appeared on the noticeboard of the church, which prompted the Consulate General of Ukraine in Wroclaw to call on Polish law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the incident.
The consul in Wroclaw met with the parish rector in Legnica, and emphasised the need to find the perpetrators, she stated: "Any manifestations of violence, vandalism, or hostility toward Ukrainians, religious communities, or places of worship are unacceptable."
While the arson caused damage to the property, the anti-Ukrainian inscription and sentiments caused deep emotional distress to the community. According to the report, this is not the first such incident in the region, but there have been previous reports of affecting the church, as well as other cases of vandalism against the Ukrainian community.
Image: Wiki Commons
