A shocking incident has triggered widespread international outcry. Ivan Dimitrov, a Bulgarian-born fitness instructor now based in the UK, stands accused as the alleged offender defacing the Colosseum
This accusation pertains to a recent act of vandalism aimed at the globally celebrated and historically significant Roman Colosseum.
Who is trainer Ivan Dimitrov and his girlfriend Hayley Bracey who vandalized Roman colosseum in Italy in viral video
🚨🏛️ Archaeology News/@wrldheritage World Heritage Site Crime:
"Ivan Dimitrov?"
@INTERPOL_HQ: NAIL THIS VANDAL: https://t.co/IROPCZWwno— General Putnam (@GeneralPutnam2) June 30, 2023
Ivan Dimitrov’s act of vandalism against Roman colosseum goes viral
Dimitrov, a 27-year-old Bulgarian-born UK resident, allegedly etched “Ivan+Haley 23” on the iconic 2000-year-old structure. The act was caught on camera by fellow tourist Ryan Lutz from Orange City, California, who posted the footage on YouTube and Reddit. The video, featuring Dimitrov in a blue floral shirt defacing the heritage site, quickly went viral, attracting the attention of Italian authorities.
UPDATE—@DailyMailUK reports that the tourists who vandalised the #Colosseum have been identified:
Ivan Dimitrov (aka Ivan Hawkins) is a Bulgarian-born resident of Bristol, England.
His girlfriend, Hayley Bracey, is also English and resides with him. https://t.co/QsNJBYWetU pic.twitter.com/kBZfRkyycG
— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) June 29, 2023
Ivan Dimitrov is a Bulgarian-born personal trainer who works in Bristol and the woman referred to as 'Hayley' is a long-term girlfriend of Ivan called Hayley Bracey, 33. pic.twitter.com/knqvxjioWQ
— Bertie Cole (@BertieTheCat1) June 29, 2023
The Italian police used the video footage and photographic comparisons to identify the culprit, leading them to Dimitrov, as stated in an official announcement. The incident, which occurred last week, has elicited strong reactions from public figures in Italy and around the world.
Public figures condemn Ivan Dimitrov’s act
Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s Minister for Culture, expressed his outrage on Twitter: “This action offended all those around the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments, and history. I now hope that justice will take its course by strictly applying the laws.”
The search for Ivan Dimitrov
Italian police are looking for Dimitrov right now. He lives in Bristol, England, with his longtime girlfriend, Hayley Bracey, who is 33 years old. Bracey runs a business in the city that sells sports nutrition. Dimitrov is a fitness teacher from Bulgaria who sometimes goes by the name Ivan Hawkins.
Although Dimitrov is still at large, the Italian police stated, “the proceeding is in the preliminary investigation phase, therefore the suspect must consider himself innocent until a final sentence is issued.” If the case reaches court, the Ministry of Culture plans to appear as a plaintiff.
Potential legal consequences for Ivan Dimitrov
According to the Italian news agency Ansa, if found guilty, Dimitrov could face a minimum fine of 15,000 euros ($16,360) or a prison sentence of up to five years. This marks the fourth instance of a tourist damaging the Colosseum. Back in 2014, authorities fined a Russian tourist €20,000 ($21,800) and issued a four-year suspended prison term after he etched a letter onto the monument’s wall.
Minister Sangiuliano said that a government bill that is currently going through parliament would make vandals financially responsible for damaging Italian heritage places. This would show that Italy is serious about protecting its important historical buildings.
In the end, the story of Ivan Dimitrov is a stark reminder of how important it is to protect and care for sites that are part of the global heritage. The result of this case could make the Italian government more determined to stop future acts of vandalism against the country’s historic landmarks.
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