Man Attempts to Burn Door of Armenian Surp Astvatsatsin Church in Istanbul

On May 8 in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul, a man attempted to set fire to the door of the Armenian Surp Astvatsatsin Church. According to Turkish media outlet Sozcu, the individual attempted to ignite the church door but fled quickly upon realizing he had been noticed.

Officials from the Armenian Patriarchate reported the incident, prompting statements from the police and the governor's office. The man was arrested shortly thereafter and confessed to the act.

“These are the result of the coronavirus,” said M.K., the man who tried to burn the church door, explaining the motive behind his actions.