A Russian tourist who picked up
a rock and carved a huge letter K on the wall of the Colosseum
was arrested Friday, police said.
The man, 42, was charged with causing aggravated damage to
one of Italy's most iconic symbols.
Earlier in the day, a guard at the internationally famous
site saw a visitor in the act of carving on an interior wall
that is being restored on the ground floor of the Flavian
amphitheatre.
He called police.
"The damage to the monument is notable," said historic site
Superintendent Mariarosaria Barbera.
"The incision cut out part of the surface of the structure
and compromises its conservation and image".
The Russian is the fifth tourist caught while allegedly
carving graffiti on the walls for the Colosseum after earlier
incidents involving two Australians, a Canadian and a Brazilian.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
