Warsaw's 'tolerance' monument attacked by arsonists - again!
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
07.08.2014 12:17
Warsaw's 'Rainbow' installation, which has become a symbol of social tolerance in the capital, has been attacked by arsonists, the latest in a string of attacks since it was erected two years ago.
Rainbow installation after arson attack, Thursday morning: photos - PAP/Radek Pietruszka
Two men, described by police as being “drunk”, were arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning after they allegedly set alight to the installation on Zbawiciela square.
Police spokesman Andrzej Browarek has told Polish Radio that the two men set the Rainbow alight at around 5 am this morning, though damage to the installation is not extensive, he said.
“Police detained two men, aged 41 and 47 years, who probably set fire to the Rainbow. They were both drunk,” the spokesman said.
If found guilty the two men face up to five years in prison.
City hall spokeswoman Agnieszka Kłąb said the installation will be rebuilt from a previous stock of artificial flowers.
The monument has been the subject of vandalism on countless occasions, since being first built in 2012.
The installation had to be rebuilt after it was burnt to the ground during a march organized by nationalists on Independence Day on 11 November 2013.
The monument, first built in 2012 and set outside the European Parliament building in Brussels before being moved to Warsaw, is associated by locals as a symbol of tolerance towards Poland's gay, lesbian and bisexual communities. (pg)