Moldova Denounces Vandalism Targeting France
The authorities in Chișinău have expressed regret and condemned the actions of three Moldovan citizens who were arrested in Paris for vandalism.
The individuals are suspected of spray-painting stencils depicting coffins on walls, accompanied by the inscription "French soldier in Ukraine."
"We deeply regret this incident and strongly condemn the actions of these citizens," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) stated in a press release. "These actions constitute part of a hybrid strategy aimed at damaging the international image of our country. The Moldovan authorities are fully prepared to cooperate with French authorities to clarify all aspects of this act and hold those responsible accountable."
The arrests took place on Friday evening. At the time of their apprehension, the suspects were found to be in possession of paint, gloves, and stencils, according to news.ro.
The graffiti was discovered on Friday on several buildings in Paris's 7th arrondissement, including the ground floor of an apartment building. The red-painted stencils measured 30 centimetres by 30 centimetres.
A group claiming responsibility for the act has come forward, indicating that similar graffiti is present in other locations throughout Paris. "This action was a response to the inappropriate actions of the French authorities towards our activists who placed coffins near the Eiffel Tower," the group wrote, referencing an incident on June 1st where five coffins draped in French flags and inscribed with "French soldiers killed in Ukraine" were discovered near the landmark.
Investigators suspect a possible link between this incident and another act of vandalism - the appearance of red hand stencils on the Shoah memorial - which has raised concerns about foreign interference.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
