Kloster Einsiedeln: Madonna-Schänder vor Gericht – Prozessdetails und Hintergründe
In a shocking incident at Kloster Einsiedeln, a 17-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan stripped the Black Madonna of her clothes, causing distress among believers. The Youth Attorney’s Office in Zurich has initiated a criminal investigation for disrupting freedom of faith and worship.
Disturbing Incident at Kloster Einsiedeln
On the afternoon of Saturday, November 16, a youth quietly climbed onto the altar of the Gnadenkapelle in Kloster Einsiedeln, in front of numerous worshippers, and tore the clothes off the Black Madonna. He then placed her crown on his head, wielded her scepter, and waved it around. The entire act was filmed by onlookers and quickly circulated on social media.
The swift response of the Schwyz cantonal police led to the apprehension of the individual, who was identified as a 17-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan. The violent act against the sacred image has now led to legal repercussions, with the Youth Attorney’s Office in Zurich commencing a criminal procedure against the teenager for disrupting freedom of faith and worship.
Juridical Consequences and Investigation
The asylum seeker resides in the canton of Zurich, and due to the residency principle in juvenile criminal law, the case has been transferred to the canton of Zurich by the Youth Attorney’s Office in Schwyz. While details regarding the individual’s duration in Switzerland and the status of their asylum request remain undisclosed for privacy reasons, it is known that the teenager is currently under medical supervision in an institution and was undergoing psychiatric treatment before the incident.
The motive behind the attack remains ambiguous, as the teenager chose a location of significant symbolism for his assault. Kloster Einsiedeln holds a special place in the heart of Catholic Switzerland, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Pilgrims have knelt before the statue of the Mother of God for centuries at this revered site. The monastery expressed deep regret over the incident, acknowledging the hurt caused to many believers in their religious sentiments. They extended prayers and thoughts not only to the affected individuals but also to the person detained by the police, sending a message of reconciliation.
Unraveling the Events Leading to the Incident
According to investigations by CH Media, the individual traveled by train from Rapperswil to the Klosterdorf on November 16. Reports suggest that he exhibited disruptive behavior and harassed passengers during the journey. The situation escalated at Einsiedeln train station, prompting bystanders to alert the Schwyz cantonal police due to the teenager’s loudness and harassment of a woman.
Upon the arrival of the patrol, the Afghan asylum seeker had already boarded a post bus, which transported him the short distance to the monastery. Subsequently, he entered the Gnadenkapelle, climbed onto the altar, and vandalized the statue of the Mother of God, culminating in the distressing event that shocked the community.
This incident has brought to light the complexities surrounding mental health, cultural differences, and the sanctity of religious spaces, underscoring the need for empathy and understanding in addressing such challenging situations.
