Polacco interrogato per profanazione di statue e altari della Madonna a Medjugorje

A 31-year-old Polish national is under investigation in Bosnia and Herzegovina following allegations of vandalism at the internationally renowned pilgrimage site of Medjugorje. According to reports from the Office of the Prosecutor of Bosnia and Herzegovina, authorities have initiated questioning of the suspect and are likely to seek his detention due to multiple incidents involving damage to religious objects and offensive messages directed at the site, the Virgin Mary, and pilgrims. The individual, born in Warsaw, is accused of defacing the main statue of the Virgin Mary on Podbrdo with black paint, damaging another smaller statue, setting fire to an external altar at the Church of Saint James, and leaving insulting messages written in Polish and English targeting Medjugorje, the Virgin, and visitors. The suspect faces charges related to the destruction or damage of religious objects, which carry a potential prison sentence ranging from three months to five years. Following the interrogation, prosecutors are expected to submit a request to the court for the determination of pre-trial detention. An official from the Office of the Prosecutor told HINA news agency that the Polish citizen would be brought before the court later in the afternoon to decide on the detention request. According to several media outlets in Poland, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the individual has been known to the public previously, having appeared in the documentary-style religious film Powołany 2, directed by Jan Sobierajski. In the film, he spoke about a difficult childhood marked by violence, addictions, and personal crises, as well as his pilgrimage to Medjugorje, which he described as a turning point and the beginning of his spiritual journey. Jan Sobierajski, the director, addressed the incident on social media, stating that he personally met the 31-year-old during the filming of the movie and learned that he had since faced serious psychological challenges and new life crises. He mentioned that he had spoken with him several times over recent weeks but noted unfortunately that the individual did not accept help. The alleged acts of vandalism include the defacement of the main statue of the Virgin Mary with black paint, the damage to another smaller statue, and the setting of fire to an external altar at the Church of Saint James. Additionally, the suspect left offensive messages in both Polish and English aimed at Medjugorje, the Virgin Mary, and the pilgrims visiting the site. These actions have drawn attention from local and international media, highlighting the sensitivity of the location as a major center of Catholic pilgrimage. The Office of the Prosecutor of Bosnia and Herzegovina is handling the case, with the suspect currently being questioned as part of the legal process. The court will make a decision on whether to grant pre-trial detention after reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution. The individual's background, including his appearance in the film and subsequent struggles with mental health, adds complexity to the case and has sparked discussions among media and the public regarding the motivations behind the alleged acts of vandalism. The situation continues to unfold as authorities proceed with their investigation and legal proceedings.