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4 months suspended sentence for student who painted "Maxima Culpa" on JP II monument

16.10.2024 18:15
The student who painted "Maxima Culpa" ("most grievous fault") and red (blood) on the hands of the monument of Pope John Paul II in Łódź has been given 4 months suspended sentence in court. He has not admitted guilt to the charges levelled against him - insulting the monument and offending religious sentiments. 
The monument in honour of John Paul II, in front of Łódź Cathedral. The paint was cleaned off the same day the protestvandalism occurred.
The monument in honour of John Paul II, in front of Łódź Cathedral. The paint was cleaned off the same day the protest/vandalism occurred. Photo: Zorro2212 CC 3.0/Wikipedia

In justifying the sentence, the judge Paweł Suski, drew attention to the timing of the attack - in the lead-up to Easter and the anniversary of John Paul II's death. 

The manner of of the act strongly suggest the student was aiming to express criticism of John Paul II and not merely vandalise the monument. The hands were painted red, suggesting guilt, and the phrase "Maxima Culpa" refers to the book by Ekke Overbeek "Maxima Culpa - John Paul II knew". 

Sources: PAP, Gazeta Wyborcza, X

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