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Thursday, 13 August 2026dailybeirut.com
Lebanon
A suspect has been apprehended following the vandalism of the Virgin Mary statue in Baramieh, Sidon, on July 23, 2026. The individual, a Lebanese national born in 2001, admitted to the act after being detained within 24 hours.
Issued by the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces - the following statement:
"On 23-7-2026, an unknown individual vandalized the statue of the Virgin Mary in the town of Baramieh – Sidon District, sparking widespread outrage among residents of the town and surrounding area.
Immediately, specialized units of the Internal Security Forces launched field and investigative procedures to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Following inquiries and investigations, the Information Branch swiftly identified the suspect, who is named:
A. J. (born in 2001, Lebanese)
After careful surveillance and monitoring, one of the branch's patrols apprehended him on the same date, within less than 24 hours, in the aforementioned town.
Upon questioning, he confessed to the charges related to damaging the statue.
Legal procedures were carried out against him, and he was handed over to the competent judicial authority, pursuant to the instructions of the relevant judiciary."
