A statue of Saint Joan of Arc, one of France’s most iconic historical and religious figures, was vandalised in Paris on Friday, January 2nd, when a man broke the sword held by the female figure off the monument, police sources said.
The incident took place at around 10 a.m. at Place Saint-Augustin, in the French capital’s 8th arrondissement. According to AFP, the man climbed onto the bronze equestrian statue, removed the blade held by Joan of Arc, and then attempted to flee before being quickly arrested by police.
The suspect was taken into custody, though authorities have not yet released details about his identity or motives. An assessment of his behaviour is expected as part of the investigation.
The statue, created in 1895 by sculptor Paul Dubois, depicts Joan of Arc on horseback with her sword raised and stands opposite the Church of Saint-Augustin. It is the only statue in Paris portraying the Maid of Orléans holding a sword in her right hand and is considered an important part of the city’s cultural and religious heritage.
Beyond the physical damage, the act has renewed debate over the protection of public monuments and the place of Christian symbols in French public life.
