SECURITY… ZERO: From the Louvre to Cyprus – TikTokers hung their portrait next to the Mona Lisa
The security of archaeological sites and museums is not just a concern for Cyprus; it is an international issue. Recently, the Louvre Museum became the subject of farce when Belgian TikTokers managed to hang their portrait next to the Mona Lisa without anyone stopping them.
Belgian TikTokers successfully placed their portrait next to the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, facing no reaction from security. The artwork remained there for several hours, raising questions about the protective measures of one of the most famous museums in the world. The young individuals, known for their pranks on social media, used a Lego frame placed in a shopping bag to avoid potential objections at the entrance. This incident highlights serious security gaps, as even in a globally recognized museum, teenagers were able to carry out such actions without immediate intervention.
In Cyprus, the situation is not significantly different; archaeological sites lack permanent, adequate, and visible security. The presence of guards, where it exists, is mainly limited to public operating hours and often feels more formal than substantive. Thus, anyone can approach, touch, or even step on monuments thousands of years old without feeling that there is oversight or consequence for their actions.
