The key facts
- Vandals damaged the obelisk and memorial wall of the 'Soviet Field of Honor' complex in Loodsden
- This is the second desecration of the memorial within a year
- The cemetery holds 865 natives of the former USSR who died in World War II
Second act of vandalism in Loodsden
On October 31, unknown vandals desecrated the memorial cemetery of Soviet soldiers in Loodsden, in the Dutch province of Utrecht — the 'Soviet Field of Honor' complex (Sovjet Ereveld). Inscriptions made in red and black paint appeared on the obelisk and the memorial wall. This was reported by Life.ru, citing the TV channel RTV Utrecht. Police and forensic experts are working at the scene: they are examining the damaged objects and collecting evidence.
Reaction of the foundation and protective measures
Remko Reiding, head of the 'Soviet Field of Honor' foundation, called what happened tragic and sad. According to him, the organization is consulting with the authorities handling the case and hopes that a solution will be found to prevent a recurrence. This is already the second desecration of the memorial within a year.
Who is affected by the incident
The cemetery holds the remains of 865 natives of the former Soviet Union who died during World War II, including Soviet prisoners of war whom the Nazis held in the Amersfoort camp. The memorial remains a place of remembrance for the relatives of the fallen and for visitors from various countries, so repeated acts of vandalism also affect the families for whom this place holds personal significance.
