Italian authorities are searching for a male tourist suspected of carving a love message on the walls of the Colosseum, Reuters reported.
Video released on Saturday On social media, a man was seen scratching the names of himself and his girlfriend, “Ivan + Haley 23,” on the stone wall of an ancient amphitheater. Reuters report. He then turned and smiled at the camera, but the creator of the video reprimanded him by calling him a “stupid asshole.”
A video of the incident was reportedly posted on social media and caught the attention of Italy’s Carabinieri police. Answer. Italian authorities said the man could face a fine of at least 15,000 euros and up to five years in prison, ANSA News reported. (Related: Man lights gas station with torch)
Italy’s Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano condemned the vandalism. says on twitter“I consider it a very serious, unworthy and extremely disrespectful act for a tourist to defile one of the most famous places in the world, the Colosseum, to engrave his fiancée’s name.” I hope that those who did this will be identified and sanctioned according to the law.”
Two young American tourists are reportedly accused of carving their initials and full names into the walls of the Colosseum and taking selfies of the carvings, even though selfie sticks were banned inside the Colosseum in 2015. The customer was charged with aggravated damages and fined a hefty amount. Associated Press.