In the cemetery of Yoshkar-Ola robbed the memorial of journalist Alexander Smirnov

Shortly before the 33rd anniversary of the death of correspondent Alexander Smirnov, who tragically died in October 1993, unknown persons looted his burial in Turunovsky cemetery: dismantled and removed four massive anchor chains that were part of the composition of the memorial.

The grave is located on the Alley of Honor, where outstanding figures of the republic rest. The complex was established in 1994 on the initiative of the first head of the region Vladislav Zotin. Heavy chains cast at the shipyard symbolized a tribute to a reporter who died in the performance of his professional duty.

Relatives are sure: this is a planned action, the Yoshkar-Ola newspaper writes. Widow Svetlana emphasizes that the metal is so heavy that only a team with special equipment could remove it. Son Ivan does not rule out that the thieves masqueraded as workers who recently restored the neighboring monument to the composer Palantai.

The cemetery authorities confirmed the theft and promised to strengthen security.