By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-02 04:11:01 | Updated at 2026-10-02 04:55:19
47 minutes ago
Two thugs have been arrested after performing sex acts on a statue of Virgin Mary before destroying the Christian icon on the French island of Corsica.
Fury erupted on Thursday morning when the statue - located under an archway in Porto-Vecchio - was found damaged and ripped out of its place.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection to the incident, with French authorities still probing the exact sequence of events that took place on Wednesday night.
The mayor of Porto-Vecchio, Jean-Christophe Angelini, confirmed the men had been arrested after sharing videos of themselves committing the vandalism on social media.
Mr Angelini wrote: "Following these unspeakable events and the dissemination of several abject videos, made by the authors themselves, the city will file a complaint this morning.
"Formally identified, these 'individuals' have been arrested and placed in custody.
"I, as mayor, in respect for everyone's prerogatives, wish for an extremely severe judicial response."
The statue was installed in 2020 during the mayor's first term in office, quickly becoming a cherished landmark at the Stabiacciu roundabout.
The statue - located under an archway in Porto-Vecchio - was discovered damaged and ripped out of its place on Thursday
FACEBOOK/JEAN-CHRISTOPHE ANGELINI
Mr Angelini confirmed that the statue will be replaced "as soon as possible".
A video posted by one of the perpetrators appears to show a young man climbing onto the monument before mimicking a sex act on it.
A social media account - allegedly belonging to one of the men - posted an apology on Thursday.
The suspected vandal claimed to have been "completely out of it" at the time, adding: "I know it's disrespectful even though I'm not religious.
A video posted by one of the perpetrators appears to show a young man climbing onto the monument before mimicking a sex act
X/LECHOCHRETIEN
"I'm totally sorry to the people I offended.”
A statement released by the Ajaccio prosecutor's office confirmed authorities were aware of the videos circulating on social media.
They added: "The hearings and investigations will need to determine the motives and context in which the acts were committed."
On Thursday evening, locals gathered at the site of the desecration to engage in prayer for the Virgin Mary.
Mr Angelini confirmed that the statue will be replaced 'as soon as possible'
FACEBOOK/JEAN-CHRISTOPHE ANGELINI
The gathering - hosted by the Parish of Porto-Vecchio - received the backing of the mayor.
Corsica residents also staged a protest in front of the prosecutor's office where the two men are being held.
In footage posted to social media, a large crowd could be seen gathering by the gates, before a coffin containing the damaged statue was placed on the ground.
The French island is one of the country's firmest Christian strongholds, with 92 per cent of residents identifying as Catholic, compared to just 41 per cent on the mainland.
