Unknown perpetrators used the cover of night from Monday to Tuesday to deface the stone cross in the center of Sućuraj on Hvar Island, painting its front in red.
The vandals did not stop there, adding five-pointed Communist star in several places and using a blue colour to draw a Z, which may be connected to the graffiti ZLO (evil) which surfaced several years ago on the parish church of St George. The meter and a half tall cross was placed next to the local infirmary on June 13, 1991, on the Day of St Anthony, celebrated since ancient times in this easternmost settlement on Hvar Island, as Mirko Crnčević reported for Slobodna Dalmacija on April 5, 2018.
Since then the cross has been a place of prayer and song for the benefit of the homeland. Believers gather around the emblem recalling important events from history, including honouring the deaths of Zrinski and Frankopan on April 30, as well as Victory Day on August 5, Homeland Appreciation Day and Croatian Veterans Day.
It is significant that the ZLO graffiti was placed in the same spot where an explosive device was detonated in 1966, with the culprit presumed to be living at peace in Vodice today. It is regrettable that attacks on the church and its leaders in Sućuraj are continuing, including offensive fliers and physical assault used in 2015 to attack pastor Stipe Marčinković.
Although they reluctantly comment on such events, it is evident the locals are primarily concerned over unrest in their town. We have learned that the grim incident has been reported to the Bishop’s Chancery and the Hvar police station. Municipal worker Zoran Kaba Kačić has removed the red paint from the cross, and District Chief Ivan Slavić has filed a complaint against unknown perpetrators to the authorities.
As the town numbers around 300 people, it is believed the police will soon find those responsible and shed light on the motives of those who deface catholic omens during the night.
Translated from Slobodna Dalmacija, for the original click here.
