Citizens of Russia painted the inscription “Saint Petersburg” on a rock near the third lake Shalkar at the Sibin Lakes in the East Kazakhstan Region (EKR).
WHAT HAPPENED
Witnesses filmed people painting a large inscription on the surface of a rock. The incident occurred near the third Shalkar Lake.
The footage shows the inscription “Saint Petersburg” painted on the rock.
WHY THE INCIDENT SPARKED DEBATE
The video drew a negative reaction from social media users. Commenters expressed outrage that the inscription had been made on a natural landmark.
The Sibin Lakes are a popular holiday destination in the EKR. The complex includes several lakes set among mountain landscapes.
HOW THE POLICE RESPONDED
According to the East Kazakhstan Region Police Department (EKR PD), police officers identified foreign citizens involved in painting the inscription on the rock face.
They were held administratively liable under Article 505 of the Administrative Offences Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (“Violation of rules for the upkeep of urban and settlement areas, as well as destruction of infrastructure facilities, and destruction of and damage to green spaces in cities and settlements”).
The offenders were given a formal warning. Police also reported that the inscription is being removed.
