A statue of a black slave was vandalized with white paint in a park in Pau, with an inscription "White lives matter" found nearby, an AFP correspondent said on Thursday.
In this 19th century work commemorating the abolition of slavery, the bronze bust of a black slave, the shackled hands, and the stele on which it is erected, were largely sprayed with white paint.
The cleaned statue
A pot of paint bearing the inscription was found ten meters away. “White lives Matter” takes up the slogan Black Lives Matter of the movement which has been rebelling for several years, and particularly at this time, against racism.
The very fresh paint, and with water, should be cleaned during the day, according to municipal officials.
VIDEO. Bristol: the statue of a slave owner unbolted by the crowd
This deterioration comes in a context where since the death of George Floyd during his arrest triggered a wave of anger and emotion. Protests against racism and police violence are increasing in the United States and in the rest of the world.
