TSK: The removal of graffiti from Charles Bridge was unprofessional

Prague - The unexplained cleaning of the pillar of Charles Bridge from the spray-painted inscription during the night from Saturday to Sunday was unprofessional. Remnants of the runny paint remained on the wall, said today to reporters the spokesperson of the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) Barbora Lišková. Thinner may have also seeped into the joints. Therefore, the restorer took samples of the stone today. The laboratory will determine what agent was used for the cleaning. Due to the removal of the graffiti, representatives of the municipal monument caretakers, the National Heritage Institute, and TSK gathered near Charles Bridge this morning.

Two German youths spray-painted an inscription measuring five by two meters on the bridge pillar in mid-July. Restorers began removing it on Saturday, planning that the work would last until mid-August. Unexpectedly, the inscription disappeared during the night from Saturday to Sunday.

"The cleaning occurred by some means. There are streaks on the ground. If a chemical was used, we may not recognize it now. If it was a chemical, it would certainly be a volatile substance, which may not have a smell," said restorer Jan Mjartan, who was responsible for the graffiti removal, to ČTK. On Friday, he signed a contract with TSK for the work.

According to Lišková, the contract for 40,000 crowns is still valid. After laboratory analysis, the restorer will have to further clean the pillar or possibly repair the stones, she said. The results from the laboratory should be available within a few days.

No one has claimed responsibility for the unexpected cleaning of the stones. There are no city cameras on site; according to Lišková, private cameras may have captured the action if there are any nearby.

The Prague police have not yet received any criminal complaints regarding the removal of the graffiti from Charles Bridge, but are still addressing the matter. "We are dealing with this ourselves, on our own initiative. We are investigating all the circumstances," stated Prague police spokesperson Eva Kropáčová in response to ČTK's inquiry, noting that it is currently a general inquiry into the matter, not a suspicion of a specific crime. "At the moment that any information arises that would justify the initiation of actions (criminal proceedings), we will of course do so," she added.

The bridge was spray-painted by two German youths two weeks ago. After being alerted by a witness, the police apprehended them at the scene. The court imposed a one-year probation, a five-year deportation, and monetary fines of 100,000 crowns on them. They must also pay damages of 40,000 crowns.

Given the size of the graffiti, the cleaning method had to be approved by the monument conservators from the Prague magistrate and the General Directorate of the National Heritage Institute. The restoration plan was preceded by an analysis of the sprays used.