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Climate activists pour paint on Warsaw’s iconic statue

11.03.2024 22:00
As a form of protest, Polish climate activists have marked International Women’s Day by pouring paint on Warsaw’s iconic Mermaid statue.
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The Polish capitals famous Warsaw Mermaid statue on the western bank of the Vistula River.
The Polish capital's famous Warsaw Mermaid statue on the western bank of the Vistula River.Photo: Jacek Sopotnicki/Alamy Stock Photo via PAP

On Friday, two young female activists doused the landmark monument of the Warsaw Mermaid, the symbol of the city, in orange paint, decrying climate change and violations of women’s rights.

Following the incident, the activists were promptly detained by police. 

“I condemn such acts, and I urge these people to stop," Culture Minister Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz said.

“Destroying culture is nothing short of blatant barbarism,” he added.

Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek has the story.

Click on the audio player above to listen.