A stone lion next to St Mark's Basilica with its eyes stained with red paint
Venice’s mayor wants to make an example of four university students who were captured on camera vandalising a landmark lion statue by making them do community service.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the city of Venice is demanding an apology from the four for painting the lion’s eyes red.
Mr Brugnaro was quoted by ANSA as saying that acts of vandalism have become common in cities and that he wanted to send the message to copycats that “they will be caught and they will be made an example of”.
The vandals targeted one of two red marble lions that stand guard on the side of St Mark’s Basilica last week.
Police said video cameras captured them in the act.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here