Overview
- The inscriptions on the Église des Chartreux included threats such as “The only church that shines is the one that burns” and “If God exists, he must be killed.”
- Prosecutors opened an investigation for public provocation to hatred and for damage to property following complaints by the city and the Diocese of Marseille.
- Mayor Benoît Payan condemned the messages and announced a municipal complaint, while the departmental prefect and the delegated police prefect pledged that perpetrators will be brought to justice.
- City officials said municipal workers removed the graffiti around 6 a.m., and the diocese reported filing its own complaint and holding an evening mass to console parishioners and neighbors.
- A video posted on-site by Senator Stéphane Ravier heightened attention to the case, and former local mayor Bruno Gilles criticized the timing of the municipal response.