Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano
on Thursday strongly condemned the protest by climate activists
in Venice that involved using fire extinguishers to spray liquid
mud on St Mark's Basilica in what they said was a "fire alarm".
He described the action as "a vile and unspeakable gesture" and
as a "disfigurement to one of the most illustrious symbols of
the national cultural heritage that must be firmly sanctioned".
"The Senate has passed the bill approved by the government that
punishes eco-vandals by forcing them to pay out of their own
pockets for the restoration" of the monuments and works of art
that they potentially damage, continued the minister.
"We are waiting for the final green light from the Lower House.
Those who damage will pay economically in the first person,"
said Sangiuliano.
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