'Terrorized Velasquez'... Climate Protesters Damage Masterpiece Opposing Oil

UK Environmental Group 'Just Stop Oil'
Also Damaged Van Gogh Artwork in 2022

Two men in their 20s, who are part of a climate protest group, were arrested for damaging a 17th-century painting by Vel?zquez displayed at the National Gallery in London, UK.

'Venus Looking in the Mirror' Damaged, 'Just Stop Oil' Protesters Arrested Photo by just.stopoil SNS

On the 6th (local time), British police announced that two protesters from 'Just Stop Oil' were arrested for damaging Diego Vel?zquez's 'The Rokeby Venus' hanging in the National Gallery.

The individuals who damaged the artwork were Harrison (20) and Hanan (22), who reportedly broke the protective glass of the painting with a safety hammer, causing damage.

The artwork has a history of being damaged in 1914 by women's suffrage activist Mary Richardson, who protested the arrest of her colleagues.

At the time, Richardson said, "I tried to destroy the picture of the most beautiful woman in mythology to protest the government destroying the most beautiful figure in modern history."

In a video released by Just Stop Oil, after breaking the glass, they said, "Women did not get the right to vote by voting. Now is the time for action, not words. Now is the time to stop oil."

They continued, "Permitting oil and gas development will take millions of lives," emphasizing, "If you love art, life, and family, you must stop oil now."

About 40 protesters additionally arrested under Public Order Act Section 7

Photo of 'Just Stop Oil' protesters throwing tomato soup at Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' artwork: just.stopoil SNS

Police also announced that about 40 Just Stop Oil protesters who marched slowly on the road in front of the government building (Whitehall) were arrested that day.

This is because under Section 7 of the Public Order Act, introduced this year, obstructing the use or operation of key infrastructure can lead to arrest. In fact, police warned, "It is wrong for a small number of individuals to cause serious disruption to the daily lives of the public."

Last year, Just Stop Oil threw tomato soup on Van Gogh's Sunflowers at the National Gallery.

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