In the late hours of Friday, April 26, the bust of the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg was damaged in Geneva, near the lakeside, just a few meters in front of the United Nations offices, reports the Swiss Albanian-language newspaper Le Canton27.ch.
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| Bust of Skanderbeg damaged in Geneva |
Reportedly, after the incident was reported to the police, Swiss authorities have initiated an investigation into the case of vandalism.
The Albanian community in Geneva has expressed its concern regarding the incident, stating that this is not the first time Skanderbeg's bust has been damaged.
The monument of Albania's national hero was inaugurated in Geneva on November 1, 1997, by prominent activists Astrit Leka and Zaim Jashari. Switzerland facilitated the erection of our national hero's bust as a sign of gratitude and respect towards the Albanian nation and the Albanian community in Swiss territory, estimated to be over 300,000.
Hundreds of people attended the inauguration of Skanderbeg's bust, including many activists of the national cause from the Albanian community and numerous personalities from Tirana and Pristina, as well as cantonal and Swiss authorities.
The vandalism of such a symbol holds significant cultural and historical implications, not only for the Albanian community in Geneva but also for Albanians worldwide. Skanderbeg, a towering figure in Albanian history, symbolizes resistance, unity, and national pride. Any act of vandalism against his monument is not only an attack on tangible heritage but also an affront to the values he represents.
The Albanian community in Geneva urges authorities to swiftly investigate the incident and ensure the proper restoration of the monument. Moreover, they call for increased vigilance and security measures to protect cultural heritage sites and symbols of national importance.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by minority communities in preserving their cultural identity and heritage in foreign lands. However, it also underscores the resilience and determination of the Albanian diaspora to safeguard their cultural legacy and honor their national heroes, no matter the obstacles they may encounter.