Évian residents: 'Vandalism against Natavan's statue in our city - unacceptable'

The act of vandalism against the statue of the great 19th-century poetess Khurshidbanu Natavan erected in the Azerbaijan Garden as a gift to the city of Évian-les-Bains after the twinning of the cities of Ismayilli and Évian has worried not only Azerbaijanis but also the local community.

Speaking to Report's France Bureau, one of the residents of the city said that she was very disappointed by the vandalism of the statue of the poetess: "When I saw the statue wrapped, I didn't understand why at first. I later learned that the statue had been vandalized. I am very disappointed with this. This lady was a poetess and, at the same time, one of the foremost people of that time. She even managed to play chess at that time. It is scandalous to do this to a statue of such a personality.

"Vandalism has increased in France today. So, when people do not agree with each other's opinions, they resort to acts of vandalism. Such cases are unacceptable. The statue of this woman should be respected. After all, we live in Évian. We are close to Switzerland. Woe to the city of Évian."

Another resident of the city noted that the incident happened under his balcony: "This incident causes me great sadness. The statue was badly treated. So, the nose was broken, and paint was spilled on it. This is inadmissible, and we are deeply saddened by this incident today. Évian has always been a quiet city, it is not appropriate for our city to have this incident. This statue was a symbol of friendship between the two countries. Today, as a resident of the city, I am very ashamed that this statue has become like this."

Commenting on the issue, another resident of Évian city noted that this act of vandalism against the statue of the Azerbaijani poetess is unacceptable: "Everyone should respect each other's opinion. People should be tolerant of each other's political opinions and religious diversity. It is unnecessary to break and destroy. Then it is needed to restore, repair, and pay for this broken public property. I am very disappointed by this incident in my city."