Two Young Men Held After Statue of Mary Damaged in Corsica

A large crowd gathered at Ajaccio airport in Corsica after two young men suspected of damaging a statue of the Virgin Mary in Porto-Vecchio were prevented from leaving the island, according to local reports.

The statue, which holds significant religious meaning for the local Christian community, was reportedly vandalised in an incident that has been described by residents and officials as a serious act of desecration.

The two young men, who are suspected of carrying out the damage, attempted to fly out of Corsica from Ajaccio airport. However, a crowd of angry locals assembled at the airport, apparently in response to news of the incident.

The gathering reportedly caused chaos at the airport, and the two suspects were unable to board their flight as a result. It remains unclear exactly how authorities or airport staff responded to the situation.

According to reports, the two men are now expected to be prosecuted for the alleged damage to the statue. They will appear before a court, where a decision will be made on the case.

The incident has reportedly shocked the local community in Porto-Vecchio and beyond, with many residents expressing outrage over what they view as an attack on a cherished religious symbol.

Local media have emphasised the seriousness of the alleged damage, though full details of exactly what happened to the statue, and the precise circumstances of the men's arrest, have not been made public.

The case highlights tensions that can arise when religious or cultural symbols are targeted, particularly in communities where such monuments carry deep historical and spiritual significance.

It is expected that further details, including the specific charges against the two suspects, will emerge as the judicial process continues in the coming days.