Polish national arrested following vandalism at Medjugorje shrine

Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have arrested a 31-year-old Polish citizen suspected of vandalizing the Marian shrine in Medjugorje. The overnight incident involved desecrating the statue of Our Lady on Apparition Hill, writing offensive messages, and damaging the outdoor altar of Saint James Church by fire.

The suspect was apprehended in the nearby village of Cerno. The Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken over the case, charging the individual with damaging religious structures, a crime that carries a potential sentence of six months to five years in prison. Prosecutors plan to request pre-trial detention.

The Interreligious Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina condemned the acts as an assault on peace and mutual respect, urging the public not to respond to the incident with hostility. Former Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor noted that the rapid arrest would prevent political exploitation of the attack.

Sources: FENA, HRT Vijesti, Klix.