All cases
Polish Musician on Trial for Desecrating the Virgin Mary
February 18, 2021, PolandFrontman of the extreme metal band 'Behemoth' Nergal is accused of having offended religious sentiment in Poland. He posted a picture in 2019 on his Facebook account where he is stepping on a picture of the Virgin Mary. The case came to court after the conservative groups 'Ordo Iuris' and 'The Patriotic Society' claimed that some people including a Polish politician felt offended by the published photo. In a first hearing earlier this year an unnamed religious expert testified that "treading with a shoe on the image of the Mother of God is an offence against religious feelings". Adam Darski, Nergals formal name, has been found guilty and has to pay a fine of €2.900 plus an additionally €678 as court costs. "The Satanist of Warsaw" as he is named on YouTube, is challenging the guilty verdict and the fine. The case is now expected to proceed to a full trial. According to article 196 of Poland's penal code, Darski is now facing a prison sentence of up to two years, if found guilty in the trial.
Vandals Destroy Statue Of Virgin Mary In Czestochowa
February 17, 2021, PolandDuring the night of February 17th, unknown perpetrators destroyed the statue of the Virgin Mary in the parish of the first Martyrs of Poland, Czestochowa. The statue which represents the Virgin Mary had its hands cut off and the surrounding area vandalised, flowers and candles were scattered. According to the parish priest, Father Jasionek, the incident was not reported to the police: "I did not report it to the police because I think it is not a material loss but a moral loss and the police will not help us in this matter."
Attempted Arson in Church in Piedimonte Matese
February 17, 2021, ItalyOn February 17th, three unknown young men tried so set fire to the Madonna delle Grazie church in Piedimonte Matese. The young men were supposedly noticed by a resident who immediately alerted the police. However, the vandals managed to escape. The case is being investigated by the police.
Church in Sligo Attacked With Red Graffiti
February 17, 2021, IrelandOn February 16th unknown perpetrators attacked a catholic church in Sligo with red graffiti. The incident occurred after politician Tánaiste Leo Varadkar appeared on the Irish RTE programme "Prime Time" in which he claimed that dead babies were buried in a tank in Tuam. Varadkar referred to the mother and child home in Tuam that was run by the church and were it was recently discovered that mothers and babies have been severely abused and even a mass grave for babies were found. Sligo is about a 50-minute drive from Tuam. According to the Irish government, there is no evidence that babies are buried in a tank in Tuam. So far it is not known whether the two cases are related.
Police Forcefully Vacated New Life Church In Minsk
February 17, 2021, BelarusOn February 17th, the police invaded the New Life Full Gospel Church in the Belarusian capital Minsk. The operation was recorded on video by members of the parish, and there is also footage from the security cameras. Pastor Vyacheslav Goncharenko had not allowed the police and court officials to enter, so the police broke the locks forcefully. The city administration of Minsk, after the church's territory was annexed by the city of Minsk, had already issued an eviction order for 31th December, which the parish apparently did not comply with. The leaders of the Full Gospel Union, the Union of Baptists and the Pentecostal Association of Churches in Belarus defended the New Life Church in a joint statement on the 19th of February.
Shots Fired at parish house of the church of San Fiorano
February 17, 2021, ItalyA barrage of shots was heard near the Church of San Fiorano in Villasanta on the 17. February at around 6 pm. The metal pellets were aimed at the door of the parish house. It seems that inside the house people were celebrating the rite of Ashes, but they did not hear the shots. The police have started an investigation. The metal pellets were found on the ground near the entrance door.
Anarchic Spray Paint Attack Against Church in Poznan
February 16, 2021, PolandOn the 2nd of February, the police in Poznan was called to a case of vandalism. The front doors to the Church of the Resurrection in the Wilda district was spray painted with anarchic symbols and threats. An unknown perpetrator wrote the vulgar slogan "Kler to hell" in white paint on the church door. The police is investigating.
Three Vaults at Moulin Neuf Cemetery Damaged
February 16, 2021, FranceOn 16th February, three vaults were desecrated, and two coffins were opened in Dordogne . It has been argued that the main perpetrator is the Satanists group since this act is part of their rites of passage or entry requirement to the group. The families have filed a complaint with the gendarmerie. The public prosecutor opened an investigation for ‘’ violation of the grave and damage.’’ Georges Elizabeth, the mayor of the commune, believes that the perpetrators should be severely punished.
Mock "Procession" in Jerez with a Crucified Doll Disrespects Catholics
February 14, 2021, SpainThe Spanish trade union CCOO, mocked the Andalusian Catholics by having a procession with a crucified doll to demand that an Employment Regulation File (ERE) not be made at the Holcim company. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Catholics were not able to do their procession during the Holy Week. To gain attention, the CCOO was willing to disrespect the Holy Week and a religious tradition.
Severe Vandalism at St. Barbara's Church in Warsaw
February 13, 2021, PolandDuring night of February 14th, unknown perpetrators wreaked devastation on the parish cemetry complex of St. Barbara's Church in Warsaw. Ten inverted crosses were painted on the church doors, pillars and memorial plaques on the church walls. Among other things, memorial plaques of Warsaw insurgents and former parish priests were vandalised. The police is investigating.