All cases

Vandalism of cemetery in Ville-la-Grand

May 26, 2024, France

On the night of May 26 to 27, around forty graves were looted at the Ville-la-Grand cemetery near Annemasse and crosses damaged. This is not the first time such an incident has happened. Since september, there has been a series of thefts of bronze statuettes from the cemetery.

Virgin del Carmen Statue and Shrine Damaged for the Fourth Time

May 25, 2024, Spain

Vandals broke the shrine and damaged the statue of the Virgin del Carmen in Rincón de la Victoria by throwing stones. The incident was the fourth targeting the religious site and prompted a police investigation and public condemnation.

Vandalism in St. Anna Chapel in Altshausen

May 24, 2024, Germany

On Friday evening, May 24, an intoxicated man committed an act of vandalism and damaged the St. Anna Chapel in Altshausen. According to the police, the man went on a rampage in the chapel "like a madman". The man smashed objects, flower decorations and destroyed plaster angels. He also tore down a crucifix and ripped off the hand of a statue of a saint. The police arrested a 32-year-old suspect. According to the initial estimate, the damage amounts to 10,000 euros.

Statue and church vandalised in Diespeck

May 24, 2024, Germany

On 24 May 2024, around 6:30 p.m., a 40-year-old man entered the cemetery chapel in Diespeck and damaged a wooden statue of Jesus, breaking off its arm.

Vandalism in the Lutheran church in Diespeck

May 24, 2024, Germany

On Saturday, May 25, vandalism was reported at the local Lutheran church. An unknown individual damaged a pew, scattered flyers and brochures, and left waste inside the building. The estimated damage is €100.

Vandalism of statues in Szydłowo

May 24, 2024, Poland

Unknown perpetrators have painted defaced statues of Mary and Jesus in a roadside chapel in Szydłowo. In red colour they painted the eyes, nails and mouths. "This is a shameful and blasphemous act. It appears to have been done consciously and boldly during the day.", the local parish priest, Fr. Maruszewski said.

Vandalism in the church of Sant'Angelo Magno

May 20, 2024, Italy

On May 20, it was discovered that unknown vandals had broken inside the Church of Sant'Angelo Magno and destroyed candelabras, a crucifix, a statue, sacred vestments, and the 17th-century organ.

Stone Cross Destroyed in Act of Vandalism

May 20, 2024, Spain

A historic Christian cross in Órgiva was toppled and broken in a deliberate attack.

Vandals set fire to altar in Dannevoux church

May 19, 2024, France

On Pentecost, Sunday, May 19, between 9 am and 7.30 pm, in the church of Saint-Hippolyte in Dannevoux (Meuse), an act of vandalism was recorded and caused over €1,500 worth of material damage. According to a news report, fire was set to the altar. Fortunately, it was quickly extinguished with water from the holy water font, thus avoiding potentially dramatic consequences. The fire did, however, cause some damage to the altar. The tablecloth, base and column were partially burnt.

Police accused of pressuring Tory party to unseat Councillor Stevens

May 18, 2024, United Kingdom

Media revealed that a police detective allegedly put pressure on the Wellingborough local Tory party to unseat councillor Anthony Stevens after Mr. Stevens had defended the freedom of speech of a Christian street preacher and a Christian councillor. According to reports, the police detective explained that “in her opinion” Mr Steven was “not a fit person to be a councillor” because of his free speech beliefs and used internal information ton put pressure on the local chair of the committee. The incident happened just before the police searched and detained Cllr Stevens for supporting the freedom of speech case of Christian councillor King Lawal on his personal Twitter account in August 2023. The incident has prompted accusations of political interference by police.