Vandalism of Virgin Mary statue in Porto-Vecchio, Corsica

Authorities in Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, are investigating a vandalism incident involving a statue of the Virgin Mary located at the town's southern entrance. The damage was discovered on the morning of October 1, 2026, after the statue had been detached from its base and found lying on the ground. The local gendarmerie has launched an official investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Two suspects, aged 21 and 24, were arrested by police on the morning of October 1 and placed in custody. Video footage circulating on social media shows an individual, dressed in dark clothing and a white hat, climbing onto the statue and performing obscene gestures. One of the suspects reportedly posted an apology on Snapchat, claiming he was heavily intoxicated during the incident. Authorities are currently verifying whether the individuals depicted in the video are directly responsible for the damage.

The investigation is being conducted by the Ajaccio prosecutor's office, with officials seeking to clarify the exact sequence of events and the motives behind the act. No further court dates or specific charges have been announced as the inquiry remains ongoing.