CNN –
The tourist, who was apparently filmed carving his name on a wall of the 2,000-year-old Colosseum in Rome late last month, has sent a letter of apology to local prosecutors, his defense attorney told CNN on Thursday.
“It is with the greatest shame that I admit that I only found out about the age of the monument after what regrettably happened,” the alleged perpetrator wrote in his letter to prosecutors, his attorney Alexandro Maria Tirelli told CNN. The tourist’s name is Ivan Dimitrov, his lawyer told CNN.
Dimitrov allegedly carved “Ivan+Hayley 23” into a brick wall of one of the world’s most treasured buildings last week, and the act was caught on video.
CNN has reached out to prosecutors to confirm receipt of the letter, but has yet to receive a response.
The lawyer said the letter was also sent to the Rome Municipality, but the Rome Mayor’s Office told CNN they had not received it.
The lawyer confirmed that the public prosecutor in Rome was investigating the tourist because of damage to cultural assets.
The lawyer also said he hoped to reach an agreement.
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted last week that the Carabinieri, a military police force, “had identified the person believed to be responsible for the uncivilized and absurd act at the Coliseum.”
“An act that has offended everyone around the world who appreciates the value of archaeology, monuments and history,” he added.
His tweet confirmed that “Ivan and Hayley” are believed to be the names of the tourist and his girlfriend, who were filmed watching him carve their names.
CNN affiliate SkyTG24 and Italian state media RAI reported Wednesday that the tourist faces a fine of up to 5,000 euros ($5,400) and 15 days in jail.