These videos of a raging inferno are spreading on social networks.
The sensational clip of a burning “Tower of Babel” is being spread in connection with numerous conspiracy theories.
Other users interpret the content of the video as an omen of imminent nuclear war.
But there is an undramatic explanation for the spectacular recordings – the burning tower is an art project with tradition.
In the cultural park “Nikola-Lenivets” in the Russian region of Kaluga, a huge wooden structure is traditionally erected and burned down in spring.
This custom is said to drive away the winter.
In 2022 a replica of the Tower of Babel known from the Bible will be built and burned down.
The recordings of the event are posted by the Kulturpark on social media – and then taken out of context by other users. Without the original context, the shots seem much more dramatic and sinister than they actually are.
A traditional art project and custom thus becomes the starting point for numerous false reports.
How do we check videos for manipulation in the editorial office? It is important to look at the details. The individual frames of a video often reveal whether a video has been edited. We take a close look at each image and enlarge individual sections. Indications of a fake are, for example: lack of motion blur, unnatural shadows or editing errors. The general rule at stern is: Seriousness before speed. We always double-check facts and material thoroughly before publishing them. For this we work with the cross-editorial “Team Verification” together with RTL, NTV, RTL2, Radio NRW.