Police investigate Z symbol painted on Šiauliai grave monument

Police have opened an investigation after a Z symbol was painted on a grave monument at a cemetery in Šiauliai, LRT reported.

The symbol was spotted at 10:45 on Sunday at a cemetery on Kristijono Donelaičio Street. Police received a report about it at 10:56 on Monday, the Police Department said.

Authorities have launched a pre-trial investigation into the desecration of a grave.

The Russian military began using the letter Z on February 24, 2022, when it launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. In April that year, Lithuania’s parliament banned the public display of the letters Z and V, the St George’s ribbon and other symbols of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The symbols are considered propaganda for military aggression and war crimes against humanity.