Vandal Defaces Peru Chan Chan UNESCO Site with Obscene Graffiti

A man was filmed spray-painting a large obscene image on the walls of Chan Chan, a 600-year-old pre-Columbian city and UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Peru, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation. The Ministry of Culture of Peru condemned the act as a grave disrespect to the country's cultural heritage and is cooperating with police to identify the vandal, who faces up to six years in prison. Chan Chan, once the capital of the Chimú Kingdom and home to about 30,000 people, is considered the largest earthen architectural city in pre-Columbian America and a key archaeological site alongside Machu Picchu and Caral. The incident raised concerns about the security and preservation measures in place at the site, which attracts thousands of visitors monthly. Peruvians expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of protection that allowed the vandal to act unchallenged. This event follows recent vandalism at other important Incan sites, highlighting ongoing challenges in safeguarding Peru's cultural heritage.