Several crosses at the municipal cemetery in Alba Iulia were marked with orange paint for the Day of the Dead by representatives of the society that manages the cemetery, targeting unpaid burials, reports Alba 24. Police have opened a criminal case, and Mayor Gabriel Pleša says he “completely demarcates”.

Painted crossesPhoto: Alba 24

The police of Alba reported that on November 3, the police of Alba-Iulia submitted an application for the crime related to the desecration of graves. According to the police, representatives of the company that manages the cemetery allegedly poured orange paint on several graves in the cemetery, referring to non-payment of fees by the cemetery’s concessionaires.

h2. What does the administrator of the enterprise that manages the cemetery say

Bohdan Ion, administrator of the “Korona” company, which manages the cemetery, confirmed to Alba24 that the police were working at the scene.

“Out of approximately 6,000 graves, about 50 have unpaid taxes for more than 10 years or have never been paid, many have expired (for 25 years – n. ed.). These places should be recreated in the chain,” said Bohdan Ion.

He added that at first, in this situation, some information plates were placed on the graves, and their marking with orange paint appeared later as a “more visible measure” taken before the Day of the Dead, when people go to the cemetery.

The mayor distinguishes himself

The mayor of Alba Iulia, Gabriel Plesha, criticized the decision of the company that manages the Municipal Cemetery on Facebook on Sunday, saying that it “lacks humanity” and that the city hall is “completely detached”:

  • “The city hall was not informed in advance about the initiation of this action, therefore, I, as the mayor, as well as the institution I head, completely distance myself from such an approach by members of the public, who will answer to the law, in the criminal proceedings that have already been opened.
  • The owners of these eternal places must be called to account in a decent, civilized manner, without violating either the law or dignity.”