A 25 -year -old man was arrested suspected of invading and vandalizing the São João Batista Church, in the square of Trancoso, Porto Seguro district, coast of Bahia. In addition to the temple, furniture and sacred objects were also damaged during the invasion on Wednesday (30).
On social networks, a video recorded after the invasion shows the damage to the church. The act of vandalism happened only four days after the Eucharistic celebration of the 525 -year Jubilee of the first mass celebrated in Brazil, which moved the faithful of the region.
By recording, it is possible to see chairs thrown on the floor, pieces of sacred works scattered around the altar, images of broken saints, and a spoiled pulpit. Watch video:
The “church of the square”, as the invaded religious temple is known, is a tourist spot of Trancoso and was built by Jesuit priests between the 17th and 18th centuries.
In a statement, Porto Seguro City Hall condemned the acts of vandalism. “The city, surprise and outraged, repudiates this disrespect to the memory, culture and historical heritage of our municipality and is available to the competent authorities to collaborate with the investigation of the event,” says the position.
The mayor of Porto Seguro, Jânio Natal (PL-BA), also regretted the episode. “The destroyed relics are part of the soul of our people and the identity of our country; I want to assure everyone that the city and I will do everything to repair the damage caused,” he published on a social network.
According to the Bahia Civil Police, the suspect fled after the invasion. He was located with family members, and presented signs of agitation and disconnected speech. The man can be responsible for crime against heritage, vilipe of the object of worship, religious intolerance and invasion of property.
Police also said that the man was referred for medical attention and remains hospitalized under the escort of the Military Police. The case is still under investigation to clarify the circumstances.
