THE Nelson Monument on Edinburgh’s iconic Calton Hill has been vandalised by protesters campaigning in support of pro-Palestinian hunger strikers.
Red paint was thrown over the monument, which was built in the 19th century in honour of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson.
Slogans including “free Palestine” and “support the hunger strikers” could be seen painted on the walls and surrounding areas.
The group Justice for the Hunger Strikers has claimed responsibility for the vandalism in an email sent to the media.
Culture Edinburgh, which manages and cares for the monument, said on its website: “Due to unforeseen circumstances the Nelson Monument will be closed until further notice.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to welcome you back soon.”
The monument stands upon the iconic Calton Hill.
The protesters claimed their actions were taken in support of six hunger strikers in British prisons who are awaiting trial for alleged offences relating to Palestine Action.
Families of the hunger strikers have urged UK Justice Secretary David Lammy to meet with them.
The sister of Kamran Ahmed, who has been hospitalised three times since beginning his hunger strike, said that Lammy “can show a bit of humanity”.
Three hunger strikers have been hospitalised in the last week, including Ahmed.
Qesser Zuhrah, 20, and Amu Gib, 30, were hospitalised on Sunday after 51 days without food.
Last week, Prisons Minister Lord James Timpson said that he “doesn’t treat any prisoners any differently from any other” and urged the hunger strikers to “start eating and get better”.
Yesterday, Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in London while showing support for the hunger strikers.
She held a placard with the words: “I support Palestine Action protesters, I oppose genocide.”
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory found that Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip.
As of late November, more than 70,000 have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023.
Regarding the incident at the monument, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of damage to a monument in the Calton Hill area of Edinburgh which is believed to have happened between 5pm on Friday, 19 December, and 9am on Saturday, 20 December.
“Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances.”
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