Italy wants to crack down on climate activists who deface monuments. “That’s enough. Anyone who defiles, ruins or defaces monuments must pay, including compensation,” Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said in an interview with daily Il Messaggero on Sunday.
The culture minister responded to the recent action of climate activists from the group “Ultima Generazione” (Last Generation) who poured black paint into the Barcaccia fountain in front of the Spanish Steps in Rome on Saturday. “The Ministry of Culture will act as a co-prosecutor in the criminal proceedings that will arise from the recent actions, whether in Florence, Rome or elsewhere,” the minister said.
“Systematic vandalism”
The attack on the fountain in Rome was “the straw that broke the camel’s back”. “We are facing systematic vandalism against our artistic and cultural heritage that has absolutely nothing to do with environmental protection. Those who damage our cultural heritage should not go unpunished, they should be severely punished,” said the minister. He is working on a regulation “asking those responsible for the damage to pay”.
“Those who carry out these actions will have to pay for the damages out of their own pockets, in addition to criminal penalties that may be increased,” Sangiuliano said. The minister commissioned a committee of experts to quantify the damage to the fountain in front of the Spanish Steps. These could “be permanent,” the minister lamented.
Climate activists poured black paint into historic fountains
Three activists of the last generation blackened the water of a famous Baroque fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps in Rome on Saturday by pouring a herbal liquid into the 17th-century fountain. Then they were taken away by the police.
According to the activists, the protest was intended to remind people of the “doomsday scenario”. Humanity is heading for this, “while we all continue to press the accelerator: droughts and heat waves alternate with devastating floods that end life on earth”.
Numerous protests across Europe
Italy’s blackened fountain is part of a series of high-profile protests across Europe by the last generation to draw attention to the climate crisis and urge politicians to act more quickly. Similar actions had been carried out in Florence and Milan, among others. The activists had previously attacked numerous other works of art and cultural sites with paint, mashed potatoes or soup. In addition, members of the group keep getting stuck in the street, causing huge traffic jams.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
