Vandals sawed off the hand with a cross from John Paul II monument in Drohobych

An act of vandalism was committed in Drohobych against the monument of John Paul II, standing in front of the Catholic Church of St Bartholomew. Attackers sawed off the hand of the saint, which held a cross.

It was reported by IA ZIK journalist.

Drohobych Mayor Taras Kuchma called the desecration of the monument to John Paul II an appalling act of hooligans’ arbitrariness.

“The hunters for metal, who have outraged in the cemetery for two months, cutting away crosses and letters, damaged wire oxygen in hospital, and are further demonstrating their impunity,” said Taras Kuchma.

He is confident that an outbreak of vandalism in the city can be stopped only by the community. In particular, Varta security forces will be involved in the protection of public order. Taras Kuchma calls to resist vandals through public vigilance and involvement. The city mayor says that the matter is under his personal control. Taras Kuchma is confident that disclosure of this shameful crime should be a matter of honor for law enforcement.

Drohobych journalist Leonid Golberg suggests that the vandals may be hunters for colored metal.

“Maybe they thought the memorial is made of metal, so they neatly sawed off a piece of the sculpture. And when they saw it was plastic they left debris at the monument and fled,” Golberg says.

A press conference of government representatives, law enforcement, clergy and public organizations dedicated to vandalism is planned for March 15 at 14:00.

It should be noted that the Monument to John Paul II in Drohobych was opened on August 24, 2007.

On April 3, 2008, a burned wreath with the inscription "From grateful Drohobych residents" and a scorched tape on a basket of flowers featuring the words "From the consul of Poland" were found at the monument: these wreaths were laid at the monument on April 2, on the anniversary of John Paul II death.