Salvador Allende's monument in Sydney, sabotaged

The monument erected in Sydney in memory of Chilean politic and former Prime Minister Salvador Allende appeared the last 1^st of July attacked and seriously damaged after vandals tried to destroy the statue entirely. The image of the President of Chile between 1970 and 1973, is located in the suburb of Fairfield, an important point to the Chilean community in the city.

Allegedly, as "Salvador Allende Monument in Sydney Incorporated" organization declares in a statement aimed to the press, “unidentified vandals have damaged considerably the monument to President Salvador Allende located at Fairfield Park. The 1st of July the monument was rudely attacked by offenders who used a vehicle and powerful tools to cause the maximum possible harm. They intended to do as much damage as possible and get the total destruction of the monument, to collapse it from its basis”

Elizabeth Rivera, executive member of the organization points that these acts are the response to Chilean vindications: “could be sinister people and reactionary behind these acts of vandalism. It was a coward and premeditated attack trying to silence our work and the recognition to Allende's legacy and values. Allende is a symbol of unity and reminds our decision to take the Human Rights. And that's the reason why the image was attacked”, Rivera said.

Built in bronze upon a marble pedestal by the sculptor Peter Ozerski, the statue was inaugurated on 28^th of September in 2003, at the 30^th anniversary of the Chilean Military Coup in 1973. The statue is commemorating the lives lost during the Chilean dictatorship lead by Pinochet between 1973 and 1990. And from that time, thousands of Chileans escaped from their country to Australia, being Farfield one of the main areas where expatriates were living as a community.

By Santi Ivar

Sources:

http://www.latinhub.com.au/nacionales/secciones/politica-y-economia/13228-ataque-al-monumento-a-salvador-allende-en-sidney-provoca-reacciones.html