Clear Maria: Artistic Provocation or Blasphemian Scandal?

Clear Maria: Artistic Provocation or Blasphemian Scandal?

Linz, Österreich - In the Linz Mariendom, a controversial statue of the "native Mary", which the mother of God was to represent at the birth of Jesus, became the scene of an outrageous vandalism. The sculpture made of linden wood, which is part of an art project on the subject of gender roles, was recently beheaded. Unknown perpetrators broke into the church on July 1, 2024, cut off the figure of the figure and stole it. This campaign caused violent discussions and was sharply criticized by the artist Esther Strauß, who interpreted violence as an expression of the continuing struggle against the right to self -determination of women. Like Exxpress.at , the statue that the goal was to encourage discussions about the role of women, especially the mindful of conservative believers.

a turbulent investigation

The police targeted two suspects after the incident in September. Nevertheless, a DNA report released the two of the allegations. The 31-year-old Viennese focused on the investigation after he had announced his joy over the act on social media. He could have to go to court on March 21st for his statements. If he is spoken guilty, he threatens a prison sentence of up to two years, since the public prosecutor's office Linz files charges against him.

An anonymous confession letter that appeared on the Telegram platform comes from a group called "Catholic resistance". The statue sees the statue as "hideous and blasphemic cartoon" and justifies the violent action as a necessary protest. However, the Diocese of Linz explained that no such group was known to her and that no threats were expressed in the run -up to the incident. Despite the controversy, the statue continues to be exhibited in the cathedral, but behind glass and without special lighting to prevent further vandalism, such as orf.at reported.