'Crucified Putin' removed from Riga exhibition after threats

  • 2015-05-18
  • from wire reports and TBT staff, RIGA

A controversial art exhibit that apparently displays the crucifixion of Russian president Vladimir Putin has been removed after threats of repercussion and an incident in which part of the exhibit was demolished. The exhibit, entitled "Dissident", is taking place in the courtyard of the former KGB headquarters on Brivibas iela in central Riga. It was scheduled to be open on Saturday night  as part of  Museum Night in Riga, but was cancelled after an incident where two persons on duty were assaulted by a gang of five, leading to the involvement of the police. The five also demolished part of the installation.

The installation caused a great deal of controversy on its unveiling. The Russian Embassy expressed its displeasure and demanded an explanation from the Foreign Ministry. The Mayor of Riga, Nils Usakovs also said that the exhibition had not been approved by the city council, and said that the pieces on show proved  that "it's still possible to buy street drugs somewhere in this city."

The artists creating the installation have already issued an apology for unintentionally offending anyone,explaining that the figure in question is not Putin, but was in fact intended to represent a 45-year-old Italian businessman.