The UK Tourist Who Vandalized The Colosseum Has Apologized, Saying He “Didn’t Know” It Was Ancient
The 27-year-old UK tourist apologized, saying that he became aware of “the seriousness of the deed committed”
The British tourist who scratched his and his girlfriend’s name onto the wall of the Colosseum in Italy has apologized, saying he didn’t know the place was a historical heritage.
The tourist was caught on video etching the words “Ivan + Hayley 23/6/23,” into the brick wall with his keys on Friday June 23.
The video, which went viral, caused widespread outrage and prompted authorities to launch a search for him.
After comparing the names of multiple tourists with the names of the wall, Italian authorities finally identified the man as 27-year-old British tourist, Ivan Dimitrov.
Almost two weeks later, Dimitrov wrote a letter to apologize for the act of vandalism, stating that he became aware of “the seriousness of the deed committed”.
“Through these lines I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he wrote, according to local newspaper, Il Messaggero.
Dimitriv could face up to five years in jail and a fine of at least €15,000 (about US$16,400).
The Colosseum, which was built 2,000 years ago, was the biggest amphitheatre in the Roman empire and is now one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.
It has also been subject to numerous acts of vandalism in recent years, with visitors attempting to leave inscriptions on the walls and steal stone fragments.
