PARIS (AP)
Four individuals from Bulgaria have received prison sentences ranging from two to four years for vandalizing a Holocaust memorial in Paris by spray-painting red handprints, an act that French intelligence has connected to a Russian campaign aimed at destabilization.
In a Paris court, Georgi Filipov and Kirill Mirshev, who acknowledged their roles in the graffiti incident, were sentenced to two years in prison. Nikolai Ivanov, accused of recruiting them, received a four-year sentence. The alleged ringleader, Milcho Angelov, is still at large and was sentenced to three years in absentia.
Last year, around 500 red handprints appeared on various walls in and around Paris, including those commemorating individuals who helped save Jews during World War II. This graffiti emerged amid rising tensions related to the Gaza War, which subsequently led to anti-Semitic incidents throughout Europe.
According to court documents, French intelligence asserts that this act was part of a broader Russian strategy designed to create division within public opinion, incite social tensions, and leverage paid operatives to spread disinformation. In recent years, European governments have accused Russia of employing sabotage tactics, including hiring individuals to engage in vandalism, arson, and even attempted bombings.
The court remarked, “Foreign interference aims to divide French society, but this does not diminish individual accountability.” They emphasized the significance of the crime at a site that holds considerable historical importance.
The Holocaust Memorial in Paris and the League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism were among those filing complaints regarding this incident.
During their trial, both Filipov and Mirshev expressed remorse, revealing that they were compensated by Angelov to create the graffiti and document their actions with photographs.
In contrast, Ivanov denied any involvement with the graffiti and claimed no connections to pro-Russian sentiments, stating that he had merely funded travel expenses at Angelov’s request.
This red hand graffiti is one of several incidents linked to destabilization efforts in France over the last couple of years and is notable as the first to reach trial. For example:
- In October 2023, shortly after the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, blue Star of David stencils appeared on buildings in Paris. French authorities attributed this controversy to Russian security services. Two Moldovans were arrested and subsequently deported in connection with this incident.
- In June 2024, the appearance of five coffins referencing Ukraine near the Eiffel Tower coincided with the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for three individuals believed to be of Bulgarian, German, and Ukrainian descent.
- Days later, unusual spray-painted messages and images related to Ukraine were spotted on the streets of Paris as President Zelensky met then-US President Joe Biden in the city. Three Moldovans were detained during this period.
- Recently, severed pig heads were discovered near nine mosques in the vicinity of Paris, five of which had the name “Macron” inscribed on them. Investigations are ongoing.
