A statue of the controversial Communist leader Vasil Biľak was unveiled in his former hometown of Krajná Bystrá in north-eastern Slovakia on February 21, however, less than two days later the memorial was sprayed with red paint, along with the word Sviňa (pig) being written across one side. The vandals filmed themselves applying the paint to the newly unveiled bust as a artistic demonstration. The two men were Košice artist and activist Peter Kalmus and his friend Luboš Lorenc. Lorenc stated shortly afterwards that the statue is a symbol of the "blood of the victims of the invasion [Warsaw Pact]", adding that, "traitors deserve judgement; not plaques". Biľak, who died in 2014, aged 97, was a strong supporter of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, being one of the politicians who signed the invitation letter for the armies of Warsaw Pact countries. He also played a key role in the "normalisation process" following the Prague Spring, shaping Communist party ideals and foreign policies which would remain in place for decades. After 1989 and the fall of the Communist regime, Biľak was tried for treason for his part in the Soviet invasion, however the trial ended before a verdict could be decided due to a lack of witnesses. A number of inhabitants from Krajná Bystrá however stated that Biľak performed many duties for the municipality when he was in power and should be remembered fondly.

Gavin Shoebridge, Photo: SITA