All cases

Stained Glass and Squared Timber Broken in the Church of Eibenstock

October 26, 2021, Germany

Two leaded glass windows and a three meter long squared timber were broken in the town church of Eibenstock. The windows were smashed with stones and the board of the congregation commented "we are simply horrified." The police investigated the incident.

Man Pours Fecal Matter over a Statue of the Virgin Mary

October 26, 2021, Poland

It has first been reported that a man had been vandalising a statue of the Virgin Mary by pouring fecal matter over it for several months, the most recent incident being in October 26. in 2021. The last incident was recorded by a security camera, which made it possible to identify the perpetrator. The 57-year-old man has received a one-year sentence of restriction of liberty and has been charged with the costs of the proceedings.

Jehovah’s Witnesses Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison in Russia

October 25, 2021, Russia

Rustam Diarov, 48, Yevgeniy Ivanov, 44, and Sergey Klikunov, 46, all Jehovah's Witnesses, were given a sentence of eight year in a Russian prison for "extremist" religious activity. Olga Ivanova, 38, Yevgeniy’s wife, was sentence to 42 months. These sentences are longer than for kidnapping or rape and mark an increased cruelty toward Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. The sentences have been increasingly longer every year.

Church in Neuburg Vandalised with Graffiti

October 25, 2021, Germany

In Neuburg, the Holy Spirit Church on Spitalplatz was smeared with graffiti on the 25. October, as was reported by the police. Between the 25th and 26th, an unknown perpetrator sprayed grey graffiti on a wall in the area of the parish garden. This caused damage amounting to 1000 euros, the police are running an investigation.

Hymn Books from Northumberland Church Burned

October 24, 2021, United Kingdom

Several hymn books from the Holy Trinity Church in Embleton were stolen on the 24th of October and burned in a nearby cricket ground. Despite this event, Reverend Alison Hardy said that the church would stay open and added: "I'd ask people to appreciate churches for what they are and respect them as a community asset."

Three Attacks to the Reformed Church in Wildegg

October 23, 2021, Switzerland

The Reformed Church in Wildegg has experienced three attacks of vandalism, the last on was recorded on October 23rd. The incidents included the door set on fire, the organ damaged, and a lamp splintered. The church is now considering putting up surveillance cameras as a preventative measure.

Vandalism and Damage in the "Maria Geburt" Church

October 23, 2021, Germany

The candles in the "Maria Geburt" church in Elgendorf were damaged on October 10th. Candles in the alter room, which were either burning or unused, were broken and scattered all over the floor. Also, some candles were extinguished and a barrier rope destroyed. The Montabaur Police were looking for more information about this crime.

Attempted Arson and Vandalism at the Protestant Church in Holzkirchen

October 22, 2021, Germany

According to the police of Holzkirchen, between the 22. and 24. October, the Protestant Blessing Church in the Haidstraße was targeted for vandalism. Unknown perpetrators entered the church without any problem, as the place of worship is open every day. They destroyed the disinfectant provided and spread it on the floor of the entrance, it seems that they intended to light a fire because burn matches were found in the church, they also threw the pillows of the chairs around the church. Outside, police found a fireplace consisting of a vehicle tire and small wooden branches, although no fire was lit there.

Crosses Vandalised in the Cemetery of Bouguenais

October 22, 2021, France

Several crosses were broken in the cemetery of Bouguenais in the southwest of Nantes on October 22nd. About 15 graves were subjected to this vandalism and the broken parts were left on the ground. A complaint was filed and the fingerprints were taken.

Vandals Broke Into a Parish and left 2000 Euros worth of Damage

October 21, 2021, Germany

Unknown persons broke into a parish hall in Fuldatal-Simmershausen on the evening of the 21st of April. The burglars caused about 2,000 euros worth of damage to property as well as stealing a safe with cash. The Criminal Investigation Department in Kassel was investigating the case and looking for witnesses who could provide clues as to the identity of the perpetrators.