Syrian Man Stole Virgin Mary Statue and Wooden Cross

On the evening of November 24, a 29-year-old Syrian citizen caused significant damage to the property of a church in Vienna by tearing down a statue of the Virgin Mary and stealing a wooden cross. This was reported today by the police of the Austrian capital, according to RIA Novosti.

The vandalism act occurred in the densely populated Favoriten district of Vienna, which has a large migrant population. "Officers from the Favoriten City Police Department received a report of a man allegedly entering a church, tearing down the Madonna statue, and stealing the wooden cross. Based on witness testimonies and surveillance, the 29-year-old Syrian citizen was found near the church and arrested," the statement said.

It was noted that the stolen wooden cross was later returned to the church.