What Price Must Tourists Who Graffiti the Colosseum Pay?

If Found Guilty, Fine of 21.5 Million KRW
Apology Letter Delivered to Italian Prosecutors
"I Didn't Know It Was a Colosseum Relic"

A tourist who carved his and his girlfriend's names on the wall of the ancient Roman Colosseum, sparking controversy, reportedly defended himself by saying, "I didn't know it was a historic site."

On the 5th (local time), the Italian daily newspaper Il Messaggero reported that 27-year-old Ivan Dimitrov, currently residing in Bristol, UK, sent an apology letter to the mayor of Rome and the prosecutor's office.

In the letter, Dimitrov wrote, "I want to sincerely apologize to the Italian people and the world for damaging a global cultural heritage," adding, "However, I only realized how ancient the Colosseum is after this incident occurred. I am very ashamed."

Ivan Dimitrov graffitiing the Colosseum [Image source=YouTube]

Dimitrov is currently under investigation for damaging cultural heritage, and if found guilty, he could face a fine of at least 15,000 euros (approximately 21.5 million KRW) and up to five years in prison.

Dimitrov is accused of vandalizing the Colosseum's wall while touring Rome recently with his girlfriend. It is reported that he used the sharp part of a key he was carrying to carve letters into the outer wall.

A video capturing his actions was released on social media on the 23rd of last month, provoking public outrage in Italy. Dimitrov even showed composure by turning his face and smiling after noticing the person filming him.

The Italian Minister of Culture personally stepped forward to condemn it. [Image source=Twitter]

The inscription he carved reads "Ivan + Hayley 23," presumed to be his and his girlfriend's names along with the year they visited the Colosseum.

As the video spread and the controversy grew, the Italian government confirmed their identities and promised punishment. Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy's Minister of Culture, posted Dimitrov's video on his Twitter account at the time, condemning it as an "uncivilized and outrageous act."

Meanwhile, according to the UK's Daily Mail, Dimitrov currently works as a fitness instructor in the UK and is reported to be originally from Bulgaria.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.