Man detained over theft of Saint Zdislava relic had encased it in concrete

Police have detained a 35-year-old man on suspicion of stealing the skull of Saint Zdislava from the basilica in Jablonné v Podještědí in northern Bohemia. Investigators say the suspect encased the relic in concrete and planned to privately lay it to rest in a river.

According to police, the man said he opposed the public display of the relic in the church and did not steal it for financial gain. Officers detained him on Thursday and specialists are now trying to remove the skull from the concrete.

The relic, described by police as being of incalculable historical value, was stolen from the basilica on Tuesday evening. The suspect has also been charged with disorderly conduct and damaging property, and faces up to eight years in prison if convicted.