This is the sinister graffiti that greeted tourists on Saturday at Dark Hedges in Co Antrim – one of the famous beauty places in Northern Ireland.
visitors toured the pro-Russian message painted on the ground under the majestic trees that are now a legend throughout the world. The graffiti written in large words “Glory to Russia” refers to the Z symbol painted on Russian tanks during the Ukrainian invasion.
But there is already widespread condemnation, with police confirming that they are aware of this.
John McGrelan, chief executive of tourism in Northern Ireland, was surprised by the vandalism.
“In Northern Ireland we are known for the warmth of our welcome, tourists tell us, and this kind of activity is in the face of everything we stand for, especially at a time when we welcome the victims of Russian aggression in Ukraine in our communities and homes,” he said. he.
This view was supported by local politicians.
DUP’s Mervin Story said: “What can you say about anyone who would write this to glorify a country involved in mass genocide? This is disgraceful, disgusting, despised.
“More importantly, this is an insult to the entire people of Ukraine. As someone who has greeted people from Ukraine this week and heard from them first hand what Russia has done, it is very sad for someone to write such things.
“This is a senseless act of vandalism in one of the most iconic places in Northern Ireland. 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.”
Richard Holmes, mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens UUP, called him “crazy.”
“Anti-social behavior like this is not welcome anywhere, but it is ridiculous to export to the region to make such statements,” he added.
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