Vandalism at Rakowicki Cemetery: Grave of Ukrainian writer desecrated

The historic Rakowicki Cemetery in Krakow, Poland, has been the site of vandalism, with the grave of renowned Ukrainian writer Bohdan Lepky being targeted. A bas-relief portrait of Lepky was stolen from his tombstone, an act confirmed by Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Heorhiy Tychyj.

Polish police are investigating the incident. Katarzyna Cisło, spokesperson for the Provincial Police Headquarters in Krakow, stated that a representative of the Union of Ukrainians in Poland reported the damage, which occurred within the last two weeks. Police officers at the scene determined that the plaque with the bas-relief had been forcibly removed and stolen. Additionally, stone fragments of the monument were also damaged.

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From the grave of the Ukrainian writer, scientist and professor, a bas-relief depicting him was stolen.

This act of vandalism is not an isolated event. Cisło reported that the police have received over a dozen similar reports recently concerning the theft of various metal elements from other graves, including crosses and plaques. The Rakowicki Cemetery, established in 1803, is one of Krakow's oldest and most significant necropolises, serving as the final resting place for numerous cultural figures, scientists, and historical personalities.

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This is not the only grave destroyed at Rakowicki Cemetery. Recently, we have had over a dozen reports of thefts of various metal elements, such as crosses, plaques, figurines.