On 18 March 2026, Białystok police published a statement about a shocking incident at one of the city’s parishes. A 33-year-old man, captured on CCTV, desecrated the altar and the tabernacle. The parish priest reported the case after the aggression escalated.
Course of the outrageous events
Exact sequence of events
The parish priest went to the police station to report the incident. The vicar noticed on CCTV a hooded man in the empty church. He approached the altar, gestured towards the painting of the „Last Supper”, spat on the altar cloth, grabbed a cross and threw it into the tabernacle, then fled, scattering leaflets.
This was not the first time. From September to December 2025, the same 33-year-old spat on the altar and left letters full of hatred toward God and the Church. The parish priest initially stayed silent, hoping things would calm down, but the aggression grew.
Response from authorities and parishioners
Arrest and charges
A local neighbourhood police officer recognised the perpetrator from the footage. The 33-year-old resident of Białystok was taken into custody at his place of residence. He was charged with two counts of offending religious feelings under Article 196 of the Criminal Code (KK) – he faces up to 2 years in prison.
Police from the „Dwójka” station reviewed the CCTV footage. The perpetrator acted during the day, when the church was empty.
