A man has been arrested for ‘offending religion’ after allegedly spitting at a crucifix inside a church on the Costa del Sol.
The 31-year-old, of African origin, is accused of entering the Church of San Jose in Fuengirola on October 2 via a side entrance, which had been left open.
According to the Policia Nacional, he was in a ‘visibly agitated state’ as he began walking towards the main altar, spitting repeatedly.
The police report claims he then spat directly on a crucifix and attempted to damage a glass covering on the altar.
Two women eventually raised the alarm and the suspect began shouting in a foreign language before fleeing the building.
Following a formal complaint filed by the parish priest, the suspect was arrested the following Wednesday in the nearby town of Mijas.
He is now facing charges relating to hate crime and offences against religious sentiment. Judicial authorities have been notified and are handling the case.
Read more Costa del Sol news at the Spanish Eye.
