Bosnia prosecutors take over Medjugorje shrine vandalism case

The State Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken over the investigation into the vandalism at the Marian shrine in Medjugorje. Authorities will request pre-trial detention for a 31-year-old Polish national arrested in the nearby village of Cerno.

The suspect faces charges of damaging religious structures, a crime carrying a potential sentence of six months to five years in prison. The overnight acts included desecrating the statue of Our Lady on Apparition Hill, writing offensive messages, and damaging the outdoor altar at Saint James Church by fire.

The Interreligious Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina condemned the vandalism, declaring that religious sites must be respected regardless of affiliation. Former Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor remarked that the prompt arrest would prevent political actors from exploiting the incident.

Sources: FENA, HRT Vijesti, Klix.