Police in Northern Ireland are investigating after pro-Russian graffiti was placed on the road at a prominent location to film Game of Thrones.
The unique tree-lined Dark Hedges in County Antrim has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland after being featured in the hugely popular HBO fantasy series.
Over the weekend, the slogan “Glory to Russia!” And a capital Z were drawn on the road. The Z symbol has become synonymous with Russian forces in the war in Ukraine, appearing on many of the country’s armored vehicles as an identification mark.
Local DUP politician Mervyn Story said: “This is a senseless act of vandalism in one of the most iconic places in Northern Ireland.
Explanation: Why does Russia use the letter “Z” and what does it mean?
“This is in stark contrast to the warm welcome that our local community provides to tourists from all over the world who come to see what the Dark Hedges and the North Coast have to offer.
“This week I had the pleasure of welcoming refugees from Ukraine to my own church community. It is disgusting that they have to face this type of behavior, glorifying Russia’s oppressive terror campaign in their homeland. Our support must be with the people of Ukraine.
“I will work closely with local authorities and the PSNI to ensure that these graffiti are removed immediately and those responsible are held accountable.”
The Northern Ireland Police Service (PSNI) has confirmed that it has received a report of vandalism at the Dark Hedges site.
This is not the first incident of pro-Russian support and use of the Z symbol. Two weeks ago, the Ukrainian embassy in Dublin described a parade of cars with Russian flags and the Z symbol as “absolutely disgusting”.
A convoy of at least a dozen cars passed through Dublin’s North County, and the video appeared on social media platforms Telegram and TikTok. A large Z was painted on the front cover of the Land Rover, with most others waving Russian or Soviet flags from the windows.
The embassy tweeted that “it is absolutely disgusting that these Russians living in (Ireland) are showing complete disrespect for the country of residence and the Irish people who oppose the Russian war in Ukraine.”
“Z, the symbol of murder and atrocities, must be banned by law in any democracy.”
It is believed that the Russians in Ireland are planning another “car parade”, showing their support for the invasion of Ukraine on May 7.
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