30 Graves Vandalised at Cemetery in Ansac-sur-Vienne
During the night of 21 to 22 October, approximately 30 graves were looted and damaged at the municipal cemetery in Ansac-sur-Vienne. The perpetrators stole funerary ornaments, including crosses and commemorative plaques, and broke other grave decorations. The thefts and vandalism caused distress among local families and provoked a response from the local mayor who stated that the act was "shameful." A police investigation has been opened.
During the night of 21 to 22 October, a local resident heard suspicious noises at the municipal cemetery and alerted the municipality the next day. Around 30 graves were found to have been vandalised, with crosses and crucifixes broken off and removed.
The mayor of Ansac-sur-Vienne, whose own family tomb had also been targeted by the thefts, condemned the incident, describing it as “shameful” and disrespectful to the dead and their families. He stated: “This is a place that shouldn't be touched, that should be respected.” He added: “I can't even find the words to describe this kind of behavior in a cemetery, and on the eve of All Saints' Day, it's even worse. It's unacceptable.”
Following the incident, mayors of other towns “have decided to close their cemeteries” as a precautionary measure. A police investigation has also been opened.
The incident occurred shortly before All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, when families traditionally visit and tend to the graves of deceased relatives. The damage therefore affected both the physical condition of the graves and objects of personal and spiritual significance to families.
Sources: ouest-france, ici.fr, charantelibre
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