Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary

Act of blasphemy by an Israeli soldier against a statue of the Virgin Mary. Photo: Roya News

IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Ariella Mazor said that, following an investigation, two servicemen received actual jail terms for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.

According to Mazor’s statement, the soldier documented committing the act of sacrilege was sentenced to 21 days in military prison. His fellow serviceman, who filmed the incident, will spend 14 days under arrest.

The lieutenant colonel stressed that the army leadership regards what happened with “the utmost severity” and considers the soldiers’ actions a complete departure from the values expected of military personnel.

The on-site investigation into the incident was led by the commander of the 162nd Division, Brig. Gen. Sagiv Dahan. Mazor noted that the Israeli army respects freedom of religion and the religious symbols of all communities.

As a response, the command has stepped up briefings for personnel on the rules of conduct near places of worship before units enter the relevant areas.

As the UOJ previously reported, the incident occurred in southern Lebanon a week ago and drew wide attention after footage of the desecration of the statue of the Mother of God went viral on social media and sparked international condemnation. The photo showed a soldier placing a lit cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in the Christian village of Debel.

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