Police from Australia’s capital have called on the public to help identify a man who left graffiti on the Australian War Memorial.
The culprit attended the War Memorial sight around 1am on Friday before allegedly defacing at least three areas with pro-Palestine slogans.
The memorial was closed at the time, but was accessible to the public.
In the CCTV image the man can be seen wearing a black jumper, a black face covering, and khaki pants with dark knee patches at the time of the incident.
Officer in Charge of City Police Station, Acting Inspector Lisa Broomhall, said police were very ashamed such an act took place at the national shrine, emphasising criminal damage such as this on such an important public institution would not be tolerated.
“Police are very disappointed this morning to see a national institution which holds a special significance to many being vandalised,” Acting Inspector Broomhall said.
“We would like to remind the community that while peaceful protest is part of healthy democracy, criminal acts will not be tolerated.
“Police will be investigating this matter thoroughly in an effort to ensure those involved are brought before the courts.”
At this stage in the investigation, police are looking at how the male got to and from the memorial.
“We’re very confident that someone in the community will be able to give us some information,” Acting Inspector Broomhall said.
Inspector Broomhall said police were investigating potential links to other acts of vandalism in the area, including the slogans “Eyes on Rafah” and “this is genocide” that were left on a Vietnam war memorial in March.
Anyone who can assist in identifying the man, or who has any information in relation to this incident, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website and quote reference number 7774192.
Information can be provided anonymously.