FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNF Edmonton building vandalized with “Z” graffiti
UNF President calls for investigation of hate crimes and condemnation of Russia propaganda
The Ukrainian National Federation building in Edmonton was vandalized with Russian propaganda early Saturday morning.
The vandal was painting the letter “Z” the symbol of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine when he was apprehended by police.
This is the second time the UNF building has been vandalized sine the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The first occurred on May 13, 2022, when the building was spray-painted with swastikas.
Today’s act was first noticed by the owner of Albert’s Auto Body, located across the street from the UNF building at 10629 98 St NW, who called Assertive Protective Services. They sent out a security guard who first apprehended the culprit and notified the police.
When a policeman arrived, both he and the security guard made the vandal wash off the graffiti, then released him.
Ivan Lypovyk, President of the UNF’s Edmonton Branch, said he was greatly disappointed that the police released the perpetrator.
“This is a hate crime and he should be arrested and brought to justice. We are calling upon the police to take this seriously and launch an investigation into this hate crime and the previous act vandalism as well,” he said.
Lypovyk added that the root of the acts of vandalism being perpetrated against the Ukrainian community is the ongoing Russian propaganda that is being circulated by both the media and certain politicians.
He cited, as an example, the statements made by Calgary Lougheed United Conservative Party Constituency Association President Darrell Komick during its Town Hall meeting with Premier Danielle Smith, July 30.
Komick claimed that Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion came here with “zero screening” and are now “walking around wearing swastikas”.
“Such statements amount to an incitement of hatred against an identifiable group and must be condemned. We call upon Premier Smith to categorically denounce the statements made by Kormick and have him removed as president of the constituency association
“We further call upon elected officials in all three levels of government and from all parties to condemn such hateful acts and denounce Russian propaganda wherever it may occur.
“The spread of such hateful disinformation serves only to further Russian dictator and alleged war criminal Vladimir Putin’s aim to wipe the Ukrainian nation off the face of the earth. This can only lead to more deaths, more destruction and more crimes against humanity being perpetrated against the long-suffering people of Ukraine,” he added.
For more information, please contact Ivan Lypovyk at: (780) 953-6621; email: unfedmonton@yahoo.ca
Photos: 1. Although police made the culprit wash off the graffiti, traces can still be seen.
- The swastikas that were spray painted on May 13, 2022
Українська 
English (Canada)