An artist who painted Russian President Vladimir Putin in women's underwear has fled to France, where it is believed he is seeking asylum.
The painting was one of four taking by authorities, other artworks taken included a portrait of politician Vitaly Milonov, one of the creators of Russia’s controversial anti-gay laws, depicted alongside a rainbow flag which is an international symbol of gay pride.
After authorities were alerted by a member of the public who believed the paintings were breaking the law, police armed with Kalashnikovs raided the Museum of Power on Tuesday to confiscate the artworks.
It has not yet been stated by authorities which laws the paintings break, but it is believed that the police may seek to press charges under the country’s recently passed controversial law banning the promotion of homosexuality to minors.
Vitaly Milonov, the creator of the new laws, visited the exhibition, later appearing on St Petersburg’s Echo radio station. The MP publicly dismissed the works of art as "tasteless, at the same level as a yob from a vocational college who scribbles in a toilet at a bus stop".
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