Conviction after vandalism: Viennese celebrated the beheading of the Maria statue!

Conviction after vandalism: Viennese celebrated the beheading of the Maria statue!

The destruction of a Maria sculpture in Linz's Mariendom has sparked heated debate, and now a 31-year-old Viennese man is facing trial because of his online comments. Loud oe24 He is accused of celebrating the vandalism in which the statue's head was sawed off as a heroic act on social media. The incident not only sparked outrage but also raised questions about the accountability of such statements.

The controversial sculpture, depicting a Mary giving birth, was severely damaged during a vandal attack on July 1, 2024. The man, who was initially suspected of being connected to the incident along with a 73-year-old man from Linz, was exonerated through DNA tests. How MyDistrict reported, the chances of identifying the actual perpetrator are slim as there are neither witnesses nor video recordings. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old is now accused of condoning a criminal act, which could see him face up to two years in prison.

Court proceedings are imminent

The trial against the Viennese is scheduled for March 21st at the Linz regional court. These legal actions are important not only for the defendant but also for society because they address the limits of freedom of expression and responsibility for public statements. The discussion about art, religion and social values ​​remains relevant.