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The Australian War Memorial in Canberra has been desecrated with pro-Palestine graffiti, according to the Returned & Services League of Australia.
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RSL Australia has strongly condemned the attack that saw pro-Palestine graffiti painted onto the Australian War Memorial in the nation’s capital over the weekend, according to a public statement released by the veterans organisation.
Police are alleging that a man, wearing black jumper, black face covering, and khaki pants, graffitied three areas of the Canberra monument around 1am on Friday with pro-Palestine phrases.
RSL national president Greg Melick said the desecration of the nation’s sacred place would be deplored by all fair-minded Australians.
“The vandal did not even have the courage to be identified and the painting of the slogans on the memorial is appalling,” Melick said.
“People are entitled to protest, but the defilement of a memorial to those who served, suffered and died in the service of the Australian nation and to protect the freedoms and way of life of all Australians is disgusting and to be deplored.
“This action does absolutely nothing to advance the protesters’ cause and in fact will likely result in a major loss of support.
“The brave Australians who have served and died in serving our country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations over the past century or more had nothing to do with the current conflict in Gaza or the situation confronting Palestinians, and to use our national War Memorial as a platform to protest is contemptible.
“On behalf of the RSL and all who have served and continue to serve our nation, we condemn the actions of the protester or protesters in the strongest possible terms.
“These shameful people must be apprehended and face the full force of the law.
“The desecration of the Australian War Memorial does nothing to enhance the cause of those suffering in the Middle East and offended not only veterans and service personnel, but all fair-minded and freedom-loving Australians.”
ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to identify a man who allegedly committed criminal damage at the Australian War Memorial on 14 June.
Officer in Charge of City Police Station, acting Inspector Lisa Broomhall, emphasised that criminal damage such as this to a national institution will not be tolerated.
“Police are very disappointed... to see a national institution which holds a special significance to many being vandalised,” acting Inspector Broomhall said.
“We would like to remind the community that while peaceful protest is part of healthy democracy, criminal acts will not be tolerated.
“Police will be investigating this matter thoroughly in an effort to ensure those involved are brought before the courts.”
Anyone who can assist in identifying the man, or who has any information in relation to this incident, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website with the reference number 7774192. Information can be provided anonymously.
