Teenager confesses to damaging 'legendary' crucifix

A 17-year-old youth from Gzira was put on probation for three years after he pleaded guilty to tearing off the arms of a 300-year-old stone crucifix popularly known as Is-Salib Ta' Rajt Ma Rajtx U Smajt Ma Smajtx.

The crucifix, situated between San Gwann and Birkirkara, is said to have been erected on a site where a murder took place. The cross and the expression were also made popular by singer Tony Camilleri, who wrote a folk song about it.

The youth who vandalised the crucifix was arraigned under arrest yesterday by Police Inspector Kevin J. Farrugia of the Birkirkara district.

He was charged with voluntarily damaging public architectural and artistic heritage valued at over Lm500, with breaking and disfiguring the monument and with vilifying religion.

When Magistrate Anthony Vella asked accused why he had damaged the crucifix, the youth replied he had asked himself that same question after he did it. He said he had crashed his friend's car after driving it a short distance.

Insp. Farrugia told the court a policeman on duty close to the new hospital at 7 a.m. saw the accused climbing up the statue and punching the crucifix. Then he grabbed the effigy's arms, broke them and threw them on the ground. He was then arrested by the officer on duty.

Insp. Farrugia said vandalism of the crucifix was not related to the previous traffic accident as it had taken place hours before.

The magistrate warned the youth he could have been sent to prison and unless he took heed of the advice that the probation officer would be giving him he could still end up behind bars if he did anything serious over the next three years.

Dr Beppe Fenech Adami assisted the accused.