Grave Desecrations in Vienna Cemeteries on the Rise: Police Investigate
In early January 2024, the grave of Ms. Natascha Kofron became the scene of a shocking grave desecration. Unknown individuals broke into the family crypt and opened two of the four coffins. In an interview with "Wien heute," Natascha Kofron expressed her outrage: "Our dead have been attacked. And that was the worst thing for us, that someone foreign touched the things, touched the dead themselves."
Series of grave desecrations in Vienna's cemeteries
Particularly affected by these incidents is the Großjedlersdorf Cemetery, where numerous graves have been opened. Especially the graves of the ethnic groups of Roma and Sinti are targeted by these acts. Tragically, graves of Holocaust victims have also been desecrated. "The perpetrators acted deliberately by slitting silicone joints and prying open the grave slab before entering the coffins," said Kofron.
Since the summer of 2024, the police have registered around 60 cases of this kind, mainly in cemeteries in Donaustadt and Floridsdorf. Most recently, graves were desecrated in mid-February at the Stammersdorf Central Cemetery in the 21st district.
Police investigate unknown perpetrators
In response to an inquiry from "ORF Wien," the police announced that investigations are underway against unknown perpetrators for serious property damage, disturbance of the peace of the dead, and burglary theft. There are indications of a possible group of perpetrators, but there are no concrete clues about the perpetrators.
Natalie Bordt, chaplain of the Archdiocese of Vienna for Sinti, Roma, and Yenish, assumes that the intruders are searching for valuable jewelry in the graves. "There is nothing in there that cannot also be found in the majority society - except for a wedding ring or a necklace. However, the property damage amounts to over 200,000 euros," explained Bordt.
Calls for more protection and support
To better protect the cemeteries, Bordt calls for increased police presence and financial support for affected families who cannot bear the costs of restorations themselves. In her opinion, the city of Vienna must deal more intensively with this problem.
(Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.