While hugs on the fence of the Russian embassy in Vienna have been intended since Saturday to commemorate terror victims from the Crocus City Hall, a memorial to Alexei Navalny across the street was vandalized again last weekend.
On the eve of the Russian elections, unknown people removed all posters, flowers and candles here on March 16. Supporters of the deceased opposition leader subsequently reinstalled this monument.
Makeshift memorial
On Sunday evening, at the fence of the Russian Embassy on Reisnerstrasse, there were flowers in the colors of the Russian tricolor, funeral candles and cuddly toys and small posters with references to the Crocus City Hall made it clear that the victims of last Friday’s terrorist attack are remembered here. This commemoration was officially welcomed: “We are sincerely grateful to all those who do not react indifferently to this tragedy and share in the pain of the Russian people,” the Russian Embassy wrote on Telegram on Saturday morning and published photos of this improvised memorial.
Night action
Until Saturday evening, a much larger monument stood across the street, which was always officially ignored by the embassy: since February, representatives of the Russian opposition in Austria have commemorated the politician Alexei Navalny, who died in the camp. 16th and at the same time against the protests of Vladimir Putin’s regime. According to a resident who wished to remain anonymous, the Navalny monument disappeared again on Saturday between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
However, military police present in front of the embassy refused to give him more detailed information, citing “neutrality” and recent commotion, he said. “But I can tell you that many residents around the Russian embassy are watching this and are really shocked,” he said, referring to the monument’s renewed dismantling.
The police are investigating
After this Navalny monument was first destroyed by unknown persons on March 16, the Vienna State Police also informed the State Office for State Protection and Extremism (LSE) about the incident. The authority also wanted to determine whether there was criminal relevance.
The monument was also discussed in the Austrian parliament last Thursday. “It would be useful if, for example, surveillance cameras were installed at the Navalny monument or an attempt was made to give it an official status to protect it,” a Russian activist said at a meeting with MPs from four parliamentary groups. was organized and initiated by Green Party foreign policy spokeswoman Ewa Ernst-Dziedzic.
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.
