# Međugorje religious site vandalism and arson case > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/meugorje-religious-site-vandalism-and-arson-case > Updated: 2026-10-26T13:08:45.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. A Polish national, Bartłomiej Włodzimierz Krakowiak, is facing legal proceedings in Bosnia and Herzegovina following acts of vandalism and arson at the St. James Church in Međugorje. The indictment alleges that Krakowiak defaced two statues of the Virgin Mary with offensive messages in Croatian, English, and Polish. During the night of July 27–28, the accused allegedly attempted to set fire to a canvas on the altar's roof structure. After failing to ignite the material, he reportedly poured gasoline over the outdoor altar and ignited it, causing material damage estimated between 67,000 euros and 130,767.71 convertible marks. Krakowiak faces charges including inciting ethnic, racial, and religious hatred, damaging religious objects, and endangering public safety. While the defendant has admitted to the crimes in previous hearings, the State Prosecutor's Office has requested an extension of his detention, citing him as a flight risk and noting a lack of remorse. He faces a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Prosecution seeks extended detention for Polish national in Međugorje arson case Prosecutors in Bosnia and Herzegovina are seeking to extend the detention of a Polish national accused of arson at St. James Church in Međugorje, citing flight risk and lack of remorse. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prosecution-seeks-extended-detention-for-polish-national-in-meugorje-arson-case ### 2026-10-19: Međugorje vandalism: Polish national faces 20 years for church arson A Polish national faces up to 20 years in prison after a Bosnian court confirmed charges for defacing religious statues and setting fire to the outdoor altar at St. James Church in Međugorje. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meugorje-vandalism-polish-national-faces-20-years-for-church-arson --- Cite as: Međugorje religious site vandalism and arson case. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/meugorje-religious-site-vandalism-and-arson-case