British vacationer might face jail time for carving identify into Colosseum

The British vacationer who went viral for etching his identify into the aspect of Rome’s historic Colosseum is expressing “sincere remorse” for his doubtlessly prison actions.

Major Roberto Martina with the Carabinieri, Italy’s federal police drive, instructed the Daily Mail that 27-year-old vacationer Ivan Dimitrov was “very upset by what he had done, and he kept apologizing for it.”

Major Martina stated that Mr. Dimitrov’s issues principally stemmed from studying in regards to the attainable prison penalties he might face — anyplace from two to 5 years in jail and a high-quality of as much as 15,000 euro.

An American vacationer captured Mr. Dimitrov utilizing a key to carve what appeared to say “Ivan and Hayley 23” into the aspect of the Colosseum’s wall late final month.

Mr. Dimitrov was believed to be etching his identify and the identify of his girlfriend, Hayley Bracey, into the almost 2,000-year-old construction.

Stupid vacationer in #Rome damaging the historic heritage of #Italy. #Roma #Italia #Coliseum pic.twitter.com/igRjuxclgk

— Juan A. Jiménez (@jajimelo) June 25, 2023

“Are you serious man?” the American requested Mr. Dimitrov within the video. The Brit then turns round and smiles and the American says “Stupid a—hole” as he walks away.

Mr. Dimitrov and Ms. Bracey, 33, are each health trainers who stay in Bristol, UK, in keeping with the British Broadcasting Corporation.

The Carabinieri obtained a maintain of the couple by cellphone whereas they had been touring in Bulgaria.

Major Martina stated that the video proof offers a powerful case towards Mr. Dimitrov. Ms. Bracey is just not going through any prices at the moment.

The BBC reported that the incident upset many Italian officers, together with Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, who stated, “This act was offensive to everyone around the world who appreciates the value of archaeology, monuments and history.”