A British tourist, Ivan Dimitrov, has caused public outrage after he was caught defacing the Colosseum in Rome. In a video that was shared on YouTube, Dimitrov can be seen using a key to carve Ivan+Haley 23 into the historic Roman structure. The video quickly went viral, sparking anger among Italians and people around the world.
Following the incident, Italy’s culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, shared the footage on Twitter, expressing his hope that the vandal would be identified and punished accordingly. It took five days for the Italian police to track down Dimitrov, who was located in Bristol, England.
Dimitrov, a 27-year-old fitness instructor, has since written an apology letter to the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and the prosecutor’s office. The letter was published in Rome’s Il Messaggero newspaper, where Dimitrov expressed his sincere apologies to the Italians and the entire world for the damage he caused to a historical and cultural heritage.
In the letter, Dimitrov claimed that he was unaware of the age and significance of the monument at the time of the incident. He admitted his deep embarrassment and emphasized that he only became aware of the antiquity of the Colosseum after the incident occurred.
Dimitrov’s lawyer, Alexandro Maria Tirelli, characterized his client as someone who believed that he could engage in such acts frivolously, assuming that anything would be allowed in Italy, despite the fact that they would be severely punished in his own country.
The consequences for Dimitrov could be significant. According to Italian news agency ANSA, he may face fines of up to $16,000 and a sentence of up to five years in prison.
The defacement of historical landmarks is a serious offense and is met with strong condemnation worldwide. The Colosseum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of Roman history, should be respected and preserved for future generations to appreciate.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of educating tourists and raising awareness about the cultural and historical significance of heritage sites. It is crucial that visitors understand the value and fragility of these landmarks to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Authorities hope that the punishment faced by Dimitrov will serve as a deterrent to others and ultimately protect the world’s cultural heritage from irresponsible acts. As for the Colosseum, efforts will be made to restore and repair the damage inflicted by the tourist, ensuring that this iconic structure remains intact for future generations to admire.
It is our duty as visitors and citizens of the world to respect and cherish these priceless historical treasures, leaving them unharmed for the enjoyment of all.
