Providence Mayor Pushes Mural Removal in Freedom Debate

Democrat politicians in Providence are demanding the removal of a mural honoring Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee murdered in North Carolina. They claim the memorial to the victim of a violent criminal does not represent the city’s values.

Liberty Check

• State Representative David Morales said the mural has become part of a larger political fight over free expression.
• Mayor Brett Smiley argued the display is being judged through a divisive lens instead of on constitutional principles.
• Republican State Senator Jessica de la Cruz said government should not interfere with expression protected by the First Amendment.

Republican State Senator Jessica de la Cruz condemned the move, arguing that the First Amendment protects such expression from government interference.