How can i copy the images map in themes with xterm?

I've tried to do this in xterm:
cd /opt/usr/share/themes/maemoitalia_graffiti_theme <enter>
cp images /home/user/MyDocs <enter>

It states 'omitting directory'

If i use 'cp -r' it states 'cannot create symlink' to every folder in the theme and 'operation not permitted'

Am i trying something undoable or is the commands wrong?

I've allso tried it in mc and i get up with the same error 'cannot create symlink' 'operation not permitted (1)'

I like to have all the pngs from that folder to mod some of them in mypaint

Anybody up for some help...

e: I'm doing it as root in xterm and mc

e2: i'm able to do it with the alpha theme, why not the maemoitalia theme?