Putin Underwear Painter Flees Russia - Update

(Moscow, Russia) President Putin is not amused by the lingerie painting from artist Konstantin Altunin.

A Russian artist who painted President Vladimir Putin in lingerie stroking the hair of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said threatening phone calls and the fear of arrest compelled him to flee St. Petersburg for France.

In a telephone interview with RFE/RL, Konstantin Altunin said he does not want to return to Russia.

"Today, I appealed to the French prefecture in Paris because I have no other [option]. I would gladly get [local residence and work permits] so that I can be useful to France and to work and pay taxes," he said. "But now, I am forced to request political asylum because I fled very quickly without luggage or money."

So, it appears that any off-color references to President Putin need to be accompanied with a fast horse out of the country.

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President Putin Offended by Underwear Painting
[Previous 8/28/13 post]

(St. Petersburg, Russia) Freedom of expression, tolerance and a sense of humor are attributes seemingly not applicable to the current Russian leadership.

Police have seized a painting of Russia's president Vladamir Putin wearing women's underwear from a gallery, saying the satirical display had broken the law.

The painting entitled 'Travesty' by Konstantin Altunin, shows President Putin wearing a tight-fitting slip and brushing the hair of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who is wearing knickers and a bra.

Police swooped on the Muzei Vlasti (Museum of Authorities) in St. Petersburg on the night of August 26 confiscating several art installations, including 'Travesty' which are to be checked for extremist propaganda.

Heh.