Police investigate after Korean and Vietnam War Memorial defaced with pro-Palestine graffiti
Four war memorials near the Australian War Memorial have been vandalised weeks after the national monument was targeted.
The graffiti with pro-Palestinian messages was discovered on the Korean War, Vietnam War, Australian Army monuments and a wall between the memorials along Anzac Parade in Canberra on Sunday morning.
Vandals struck the war memorials on Anzac Pde in Canberra overnight. Supplied/ABC Credit: News Corp Australia
It’s the third time since March that sites in this area have been targeted by vandals.
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The Australian War Memorial was also defaced on June 14, with that matter still being investigated by police.
Sunday’s incident has sparked outrage, with the Military History Society of NSW calling the incident “inexcusable”.
“As a historical society we strongly condemn the desecration of war memorials and other public monuments,” the society said on social media.
“We again advocate more substantial penalties for the culprits.”
Police are investigating the graffiti. Supplied/ABC Credit: News Corp Australia
The pro-Palestine messaging was discovered on Sunday. Supplied/ABC Credit: News Corp Australia
An ACT Policing spokesman said the latest vandalism at the three memorial sites and a wall on the western side of Anzac Parade will be investigated.
“The incidents will be considered alongside previous similar matters that have occurred in recent months,” he said.
The spokesman said a search warrant had been executed on Friday, however no charges had been laid at the time of publication.
“Police remind the community that peaceful protest is part of healthy democracy however criminal acts will not be tolerated,” the spokesman said.
The Australian National Korean War memorial was targeted. Supplied/ABC Credit: News Corp Australia
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Following the June 14 incident, Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson said he was “saddened” by the destruction of the heritage building.
“The Memorial’s purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war or on operational service,” he said.
“It is the Memorial’s view that the vandalism is both inappropriate and offensive.”