They denounce the increase in attacks on Christian cemeteries in Spain

The Observatory for Religious Freedom and Conscience (OLRC) denounces the increase in attacks on cemeteries in Spain, which throughout 2024 have recorded destruction and robberies in three cemeteries and robberies in another 21, which is why it calls for more surveillance on the eve of All Saints.

According to the OLRC, on January 16, “some hooded men, during the early hours of the morning, destroyed the graves and tore out crosses and other religious images from the Espinardo cemetery (Murcia), with the aim of stealing them.”

Between the months of May and July, “a gang dedicated itself to stealing crucifixes and images in 19 cemeteries throughout the province of Toledo.” Its members were arrested, like three other people for similar events that occurred in December 2023 in the same territory.

In the Valdoviño cemetery in La Coruña, northwest of Spain, a group of young people broke religious niches and images during the night of San Juan, events that they recorded and published on social networks.

In the town of Estremera, in Madrid, more than 80 crucifixes were stolen last June and in September the San Fernando cemetery in Seville was attacked during the night, destroying graves and crosses.

As the OLRC has learned, at the beginning of this month of October, various burials and religious images were also broken “with sledgehammers” in the Canales cemetery, located in the province of León.

“In previous years, we had recorded almost no attacks on cemeteries. It was a type of attack that almost did not occur, but in 2024 we have registered an increase in thefts and destruction of these sacred places,” explains María García, president of the OLRC in a statement sent to the media.

“These events are especially painful for families,” García emphasizes, since the graves of their loved ones are found destroyed when they go to visit them.

“In addition, vandals and thieves especially target the crosses and images of the Virgin and other saints,” García details.

“On the eve of the Catholic holiday of All Saints, we ask that surveillance be increased, throughout the year, in the cemeteries. It is true that these days are especially visited by families. But at other times these places are lonely, or even open at night, and it makes this type of theft and vandalism too easy,” concludes the president of the Observatory for Religious Freedom.