Climate change activists turned the blue water of the Trevi Fountain in central Rome black with diluted charcoal on Sunday.
Around 10 activists from the climate group Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) entered the 18th century late-Baroque fountain holding a banner that said, “Let’s not pay for fossil campaigns considering what is happening in Emilia Romagna.”
All activists were arrested and face vandalism charges, Rome police said. vandalism /ˈvændəlɪzəm/:故意破坏公共财物罪
Luisa Regimenti, councilor for personnel, urban security, local police and local authorities in the Lazio region, which includes Rome, condemned the act. In a written statement she said that it was the “umpteenth demonstrative act of eco-vandals” that hit “a symbol of Rome universally known in the world.”
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri tweeted: “Enough of these absurd attacks on our artistic heritage. Today the #FontanadiTrevi was smeared. Expensive and complex to restore, hoping there is no permanent damage.”
He told local media on the scene that the 300,000 liter (66,000 gallon) fountain would have to be emptied and that the dyed water would have to be thrown away. “This will involve a significant intervention. It will cost time, effort and water.”
Sky News host James Macpherson says climate “bedwetters” have turned the water in Rome's Trevi Fountain black in an act of “senseless vandalism”. “How stupid must you be to think that the best way to prove you want a clean planet is by contaminating water,” Mr Macpherson said. “We fight pollution with pollution; it doesn’t even make sense.”
This is the third time activists have put charcoal into famous fountains in the eternal city. In May, they dumped charcoal in the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona and in April they targeted the Barcaccia fountain at the base of the Spanish Steps. The group has claimed responsibility in each incident.
Some climate groups have criticized the Italian government for not being prepared for climate change in the wake of the flooding in northern Italy that killed at least 14 people and displaced more than 36,000.
Legend states that anyone who throws a coin into the fountain will ensure their return to Rome. Each year around 1-1.5 million euros in coins are collected for the Catholic charity Caritas. Around 3,000 euros a day are thrown into the fountain during busy tourist months.
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