The costs of an environmental protest in a Dresden museum amount to 12,000 euros

DRESDEN (GERMANY), 26 Oct. (DPA/EP) -

The protest of two environmental activists who hit their hands on a painting in the Gallery of Old Master Paintings in Dresden (Germany) has alleged costs of up to 12,000 euros, according to estimates by the Dresden State Art Collections (SKD, for its acronym in German).

The activists stuck their hands to the frame of the 'Sistine Madonna', the most famous work in the collection of paintings. The painting, from the 16th century and protected by glass, was not damaged, although not the frame, whose repair will cost between 3,000 and 5,000 euros.

This money is added to another 7,000 euros in lost income, since the museum had to close after this incident.

The Dresden State Art Collections have banned the two activists from visiting any of its 15 museums in the future and have filed a criminal complaint, in addition to another lawsuit for damages. The Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office admits that the investigation opened for "property damage detrimental to the community" will take time.