A Warsaw court sentenced two activists from “The Last Generation” for defacing the city’s iconic Siren statue on April 3rd.
Vandalism Charges and Sentencing
A Warsaw court issued a verdict in the case of two activists from “The Last Generation” who covered the Siren monument on Powiśle with orange paint.
On Friday, April 3rd, the women were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, required to pay compensation, and cover the costs of the legal proceedings.
Details of the Sentence
Each defendant received a six-month restriction of liberty, consisting of 30 hours per month of unpaid, supervised community service. They were also ordered to pay 3,000 zł to the National Heritage Protection Fund and 30,000 zł to the City of Warsaw.
The Incident and Damage Assessment
The incident occurred on March 8, 2024, near General Patton Boulevard. Prosecutors alleged that Julia P. and Marianna J. damaged the Siren sculpture, fountain basin, and sandstone pedestal by pouring a significant amount of paint onto the monument.
Investigators noted the monument is a registered historical landmark, and the damage was estimated at 361,607 zł.
Arguments Presented During the Trial
The trial began in May 2025. The prosecutor requested a one-year suspended prison sentence and additional financial penalties, while the defense and a representative from the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights sought acquittal.
The defense argued the action was a political protest related to the climate crisis and that the damage to the monument was not permanent.
Significance of the Case
The verdict concludes one of the more prominent trials concerning actions by “The Last Generation” in Warsaw. The case garnered significant attention due to its focus on one of the capital’s most recognizable symbols – the pre-war monument by Ludwika Nitschowa, standing on the Vistula River.
