Armenian Genocide Monument at Fresno State Vandalized

By Tomas Kassahun

FRESNO – Three months after the unveiling of the Armenian genocide monument at Fresno State, the structure has been vandalized.
“The souls of the victims are disturbed,” said Berj Apkarian, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno.

Someone yanked one of the panels from the monument on July 24, Apkarian said.

“The panel had a lot of history,” Apkarian said. “It’s very heartbreaking and I’m so disappointed.”

Apkarian plans to work with Fresno State president Joseph Castro and police to find out who vandalized the monument. The stolen panel was made of Spanish steel, Apkarian said.

“This is a hate crime,” Apkarian said. “It must be taken very seriously and it can’t be tolerated.”

Fresno State police dispatcher said Sunday no one was available to comment on the theft or whether the department is investigating. A university spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.

The monument was unveiled in April to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the Armenian genocide.

“The monument has a symbolic and historic importance for the community,” Apkarian said. “The community must take steps to not tolerate such acts.”