The Russian Embassy in Armenia in its Telegram channel expressed outrage at the act of vandalism over the monument to the “Children of the Siege of Leningrad” in Yerevan, Ednews reports via Russian media.
“We are deeply outraged by the cynical provocation at the monument to the ‘Children of the Siege of Leningrad’. It is difficult to regard such actions as anything other than an expression of open outrage against the memory of the victims of this tragedy and the heroes who defended the city. The author of the video did not trample on the wreaths laid at the memorial in connection with the 80th anniversary of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the fascist blockade, but the tribute of respect and gratitude to the best features of the Armenian people, which they symbolize,” says a statement published by the embassy.
In addition, it is reported that the head of the Russian House in Yerevan, Vadim Fefilov, appealed to the Prosecutor General’s Office of Armenia due to the desecration of the monument.
“We consider it unacceptable to take actions that incite ethnic hatred and call for violence based on xenophobia in relation to the events that occurred during the Great Patriotic War and statements addressed to the Russian Federation. I ask you <...> to conduct an inspection and give a legal assessment of the actions of Samvel Shirinyan with bringing him to criminal responsibility,” says a statement addressed to Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan.
A native of the Armenian capital, introducing himself on social networks as Samvel Shirinyan, knocked over wreaths and trampled a ribbon in the colors of the Russian tricolor, filmed his actions on video and later published it.