17-year-old Ukrainian detained for desecrating seven monuments in Tricity
Police in Gdańsk have detained a 17-year-old accused of writing the slogan "Slava UPA" on seven Polish monuments. The investigation has revealed possible involvement of Russian services in an organised campaign of vandalism.
Detention of 17-year-old in Gdańsk
On Wednesday 11 November, Gdańsk police detained a 17-year-old Ukrainian citizen suspected of desecrating seven Polish monuments in the Tricity area. According to defence24.pl, the artist wrote the slogan "Slava UPA" in red paint on three monuments in Gdynia and four in Gdańsk, referring to a Ukrainian military organisation from the Second World War period. For insulting monuments combined with public promotion of a totalitarian system, he faces up to three years imprisonment.
Attacked monuments
Among the vandalised sites were the Monument to Displaced Gdynia Residents, the Monument to the Polish Navy and the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast in Gdynia, as well as the Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers 1970, the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast and the Monument to the Polish Underground State in Gdańsk. In Gdańsk, the perpetrator also destroyed the Monument to Russian Soldiers from 1898. Police are conducting proceedings regarding another eight damaged monuments in Warsaw, Poznań and Gdańsk, which were most likely carried out by other perpetrators.
Organised campaign
The Belarusian service MOST confirmed that the vandalism may be part of a coordinated operation. On one of the Telegram channels, anonymous clients allegedly offered 500 dollars for desecrating a monument, including painting provocative slogans and placing QR codes. Payment was offered in cash or cryptocurrencies, with travel and accommodation costs covered. Defence24.pl cites reports indicating that the clients could be linked to Russian services aimed at driving a wedge between Poles and Ukrainians.
Embassy response
The Embassy of Ukraine in Poland condemned the desecration of the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto. In a statement, it appealed to citizens to report recruitment attempts to law enforcement. However, the diplomatic note did not address the remaining acts of profanation.
Source: Google News PL