Mariupol: occupiers open drama theater at the site of a war crime
The occupying administration of Mariupol plans to open a drama theater to show a play 'Little Red Flower' at the end of December. This decision has sparked criticism from human rights defenders, who see it as a cynical attempt to conceal the traces of a war crime. The restoration of the theater takes place at the site where in March 2022, Russian aviation carried out an airstrike, which resulted in the building being bombed.
The airstrike on the drama theater was recognized by Amnesty International as a deliberate attack on civilians. This incident has become further confirmation of the extent of destruction that Mariupol suffered during the siege:
- up to 90% of the housing stock in the city was destroyed;
- the population decreased from 420,000 to 100,000 residents.
At the same time, according to the decree of President Vladimir Putin, the confiscation of so-called 'ownerless' property has begun in Mariupol, with more than 12,000 apartments on the list for seizure. This has caused concern among local residents.
Former actors of the theater note that the housing of Ukrainians who left the city is being given to new owners or put up for sale. The restoration of the theater is accompanied not only by the legalization of looting but also by PR campaigns from Russia aimed at the 'revival' of Mariupol. Thus, the opening of the drama theater becomes a symbol of the difficult reality that has arisen in the city after large-scale destruction and war crimes.
Controversial situation in Mariupol
The opening of the drama theater in Mariupol underscores the complex and controversial situation that has arisen as a result of military actions. This decision not only indicates attempts by the occupying administration to restore cultural life in the city but also provokes outrage due to the undeserved suffering of local residents. Human rights defenders believe that such activities may be used to legitimize the Russian presence in the region, which heightens societal tensions and exacerbates human rights issues under occupation.