Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has filed a lawsuit against extreme performance artist Pyotr Pavlensky for damage he caused when setting fire to the door of the organization's headquarters, the Mediazona news website reported Friday.
The FSB claims the door is of cultural significance and estimated the damage caused by Pavlensky to cost 481,000 rubles ($7,500).
Pavlensky is currently on trial for damaging Russia's cultural heritage after he poured petrol over the wooden doors of FSB building and set them on fire in November 2015. The building in the Lyubanka area of central Moscow has been used by the security services since the Soviet era.
The artist called the work “Threat: Lubyanka's Burning Door,” and said it was carried out in protest against repressive government policies. Pavlensky has been kept in custody since his arrest on the day of the protest.
On May 31, the activist was nominated for the Russian Security Services' Prize for Literature and the Arts by Maria Baronova, a co-ordinator of the “Open Russia” human rights project. The prize is given for the artistic work on the subject of the FSB.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
