Act of stupidity and extremely disrespectful Five charged after Sydney WWI Cenotaph vandalised
Five men have been charged after CCTV was released of a group of alleged vandals climbing onto the WWI Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place and inappropriately posing with the statue.
The video, released by NSW Police, shows the alleged men, aged 19 to 21, clambering over the monument, with one shown sitting on the shoulders of the statue.
Police have described the alleged incident as “an act of stupidity” and “extremely disrespectful”.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian also expressed her disappointment, describing the incident as “personally hurtful” while announcing a new training program for war veterans.
“I think it’s really hurtful that a small number of Australians don’t appreciate the sacrifices many Australians made for our freedom,” she said.
“That’s what hurts me the most, that some people don’t understand our history.”
Police began an investigation into the incident after being notified of damage to the bayonet on a statue.
Three men were arrested at Sutherland Police Station about 1.30pm today with inquiries into the incident still ongoing.
A fourth man, aged 21, also attended Sutherland Police Station this afternoon.
Three of the men – aged 19, 20, 21 – were issued Court Attendance Notices for desecrate protected place.
The second 21-year-old was issued a Court Attendance Notice for offensive conduct.
They are all due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 30 June 2021.
About 3.30pm today, a fifth man, aged 21, was arrested at Sutherland Police Station and charged with destroy or damage property and commit offensive act in, on war memorial/interment site.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 28 June 2021.
