Two young men to be tried for vandalising Virgin Mary statue in Corsica

Authorities in Ajaccio said two young men, working in hospitality, will be tried for severely damaging a Virgin Mary statue in Porto-Vecchio and for sexual exhibition. The episode took place just before 3 a.m., when one suspect clung to the statue and performed a lewd gesture while his companion recorded the scene. Video of the act circulated on social media, sparking strong local condemnation.

Hundreds of residents protested at the site of the vandalism, and a wooden coffin was placed in front of the gendarmerie while the suspects were held. The defendants have been placed under judicial control, barred from returning to Corsica, and must leave the island immediately.