An unknown person entered the grounds of the Surb Karapet Armenian Church cemetery, located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, on the night of July 7 to 8 and damaged six gravestones and a spring. This was stated in a message from the Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

"The incident deeply hurt members of the community, especially those whose loved ones are buried in this cemetery.

The district council immediately contacted the relevant authorities, which launched legal proceedings to establish the identity of the perpetrator and bring him to justice.

The Patriarchate condemns the attack committed against sacred values and places of eternal rest.

We thank the relevant authorities, which continue their work to clarify the circumstances of the incident.

We hope that the perpetrator will be brought to justice," the statement said.