The unauthorized removal of the inscription from Charles Bridge did not damage the masonry

Prague - According to laboratory results, the masonry was not damaged during the unauthorized removal of a graffiti inscription from Charles Bridge in Prague, stated the spokesperson of the Technical Communication Administration (TSK), Barbora Lišková, today. TSK is further addressing the situation with the police, to which a man has reported who removed the graffiti from the bridge's pillar on Sunday morning. However, according to the restorer's findings, the inscription was not removed perfectly, and remnants of paint remained on the stones. Lišková therefore stated on Monday that the pillar will need to be cleaned.

"Since Charles Bridge is a national cultural monument, we will continue to adhere to legal procedures. Therefore, a professional restorer approved by the heritage protectors from the Prague City Hall and the General Directorate of the National Heritage Institute must participate in the cleaning. We have concluded a contract with Mr. Jan Mjartan for the removal of the inscription," said Lišková.

Restorers began removing the graffiti on Saturday. They had to have the cleaning method approved by the city's heritage protectors and the National Heritage Institute. TSK subsequently signed a contract with the restorer for 40,000 crowns. The work was to be completed by August 15.

Miloslav Černý has come forward to clean the bridge, claiming that he makes a living by removing graffiti and used a gentle method. In Prague 1, he has previously cleaned the Herget Brickworks and a wall on Masná Street, as he confirmed to CTK today.

"We are working with TSK on other contracts, so we will definitely come into contact," he continued. He expressed respect for restorer Mjartan and has no problem meeting with him. However, he does not plan to approach him himself. "My intention was not to make fools of the restorers," he added.

"I wanted to show that the procedures established in heritage conservation for removing graffiti are too lengthy," said Černý. According to him, every hour is important. The pigments contained in the paints gradually stabilize on the surface, making cleaning more challenging. Černý uses high-pressure steam cleaners and hot water. He stated that Sunday was indeed the cutoff date when the inscription could have been removed this way.

The graffiti inscription appeared on the pillar of Charles Bridge in mid-July, measuring five by two meters. The police detained two German youths at the scene; the court imposed a one-year suspended sentence, a five-year ban on re-entry, and monetary fines. However, their lawyer filed an objection against the ruling, and a main hearing has been scheduled in the case. It will also address the unauthorized removal of the inscription in September.