Bergenaren Henk van den Bosch and Ger Bot protested today at the Russian monument. The memorial honors fallen Russian soldiers and the piece of land was donated to Russia, so according to the activists it is the perfect place to protest against the invasion of Ukraine. “The Russian soldiers who died for our freedom around here will be happy with us,” said Ger.
This morning Ger and Henk sneak past the locked gate of the monument, into the Russian terrain. Armed with a drill, hammer and ax, the two walk towards the monument with a protest sign. Just in front of the monument, the duo places a sign that reads ‘We are protesting on Russian territory.’
Supported
Behind the fence, a group of twenty spectators watches the scene. Among them are also a number of Ukrainian descent. “We know a number of people from Ukraine who work in the area and also protest for them,” says Henk. One of the Ukrainians present says: “I feel supported in this terrible nightmare.”
The piece of land with the monument on it was once donated to Russia, as a thank you for the sacrifices made by soldiers in Bergen and the surrounding area more than 200 years ago. “As a result, I actually live only fifty meters from Russia, perfect for protesting,” said Ger. “In Russia itself you will be arrested if you protest. Here it is still possible.”