Can the arrest of an American tourist for smashing ancient Roman statues in an Israeli museum be justified?

Pros:
1. Upholding the law: By arresting the tourist, the Israeli police demonstrate their commitment to enforcing laws and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
2. Protecting cultural heritage: The arrest sends a message that damaging ancient artifacts and cultural treasures is not acceptable, helping to preserve and protect the rich heritage of the Roman statues.
3. Deterrence: The arrest may act as a deterrent for others who might consider similar acts of vandalism, ultimately safeguarding historical artifacts and museums from potential harm.

Cons:
1. Freedom of expression: Some may argue that the tourist’s actions are a form of expression, and arresting him restricts his freedom to express his dissatisfaction or feelings towards the art or its display.
2. Misunderstanding or ignorance: It is possible that the tourist was unaware of the cultural significance of the statues or had misconceptions, which could potentially create an opportunity for education and dialogue rather than punishment.
3. International relations: Arresting a foreign tourist for such an incident may create strain in international relations or paint the country in a negative light, potentially impacting tourism or diplomatic ties.

Please note that these lists are provided to help analyze the situation objectively and do not reflect personal opinions or biases.

context: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/american-tourist-arrested-smashing-ancient-roman-statues-museum-103777343

In Jerusalem, an American tourist was apprehended by Israeli authorities at the renowned Israel Museum. Disturbingly, he resorted to a destructive act, throwing valuable works of art onto the museum floor. This unfortunate incident led to the damage of two ancient Roman statues, which date back to the second century. The tourist’s actions have elicited concern and raised questions about the motives behind such a reckless act.