An Afghan who vandalised a German church did not act with intent but only had problems with a Christ figure because of his faith

The trial about the destroyed Christ figure in the Frauenberg church began on Wednesday at the Nordhausen district court. The defendant is a 26-year-old Afghan.

He allegedly removed church inventory at the end of October last year, tore the valuable Christ figure from the wall and damaged it, and broke an altar panel. He is charged with damage to property and trespassing.
After just under an hour, however, the trial was suspended. District judge Iris Kasch-Böse wants to question further witnesses and inspect files. She said that it might also be necessary to examine the culpability of the accused Afghan.

Defence lawyer Marko Siebold had previously stated that his client confessed to the crimes. However, his motivation was unclear. The 26-year-old had not acted with intent, but out of his faith and had a problem with the Christ figure in the Frauenberg church, Siebold said. According to the indictment, the material damage amounts to 2,300 euros. The Christ figure is currently being restored.

https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/thueringen/nord-thueringen/nordhausen/kirche-ausgeraeumt-afghane-prozess-100.html