Austria: Asylum seeker vandalises historic church in Vienna

Schwere Kerzenleuchter donnerten am Dienstag auf den Marmor. (Bild: LPD Wien)
At the crime scene – Photo: LPD Police Vienna
Photo: LPD Police Vienna
Photo: LPD Police Vienna

An outrageous incident at the church of St. John Nepomuk in Vienna’s Leopoldstadt district on Tuesday evening: Shortly before the church in Praterstraße was closed after being open to the faithful for prayer during the day, a young man entered. Shortly afterwards, the 23-year-old from Bangladesh also began to riot.

A wooden cross, a seat in the chancel and some candlesticks were knocked over and damaged by the sacrilegious man. He also vented his rage on vases, flower pots and candles. A member of the parish staff finally stopped him and confronted him. The man seemed very confused, but then agreed to wait with him for the police. The officers arrested the thug for the time being. Nothing is known about his motive. The amount of damage is also still being determined. No worshippers were injured, as the church was already empty at the time of the crime.

The church on the street Praterstraße was built between 1841 and 1846, dedicated to St. John Nepomuk and celebrates its 175th anniversary in October with numerous activities. Nearly 5000 Catholics currently live in the parish area. St. John Nepomuk is considered one of the best-known Bohemian saints. There are more than 33,000 statues of this saint in Europe alone. The 14th century priest and martyr was canonised 300 years ago.

https://www.krone.at/2536343

One thought on “Austria: Asylum seeker vandalises historic church in Vienna”

  1. Needs to be deported for criminal damage and disrespect to the Holy one place of prayer.
    Can you imagine doing it to them be a bloody up raw!

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