Portraits of military personnel damaged in Rivne city center: perpetrator gives shocking reason
17 January 16:18
Portraits of military personnel were damaged on Independence Square in Rivne on the night of January 17.
A total of 13 metal structures were overturned, according to a Facebook post by the Rivne Patrol Police, as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
A 41-year-old Rivne resident, whom law enforcement officials believe to be involved in the damage to the portraits, was intoxicated. A breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol level of 0.91, according to Maria Yustitska, spokeswoman for the regional police.
“Investigators from the Rivne District Administration have launched a pre-trial investigation into hooliganism. The issue of notifying the suspect of the charges is being decided,” she said.
The woman explained that the portraits irritate her because they remind her of the war. She does not regret what she did, but apologizes to the families of the victims. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, Maria Yustitska said. The article on hooliganism provides for various sanctions: a fine, probation, or restriction of liberty for up to five years.
Rivne Mayor Oleksandr Tretyak responded to the situation on social media. According to him, alcohol is not and cannot be an excuse. Neither for civilians nor for anyone else.
“Whether you are in a frontline city 10 kilometers from the front line or 1,000 kilometers behind the lines, it is disgusting and barbaric! While you are holding a glass, someone is holding a portrait with a black ribbon! And no excuse is justification!” the official emphasized.
