Source: HRO.org (info), 08/06/12

· Artistic freedom  · Persecution of activists  · Public protests  · Novosibirsk region

The trial of Artyom Loskutov, an artist who depicted members of Pussy Riot in stylized icons and then hung the images on advertising billboards, ended in Novosibirsk on 8 June.

Loskutov also reported on Тwitter that he has been sentenced to pay a fine of 500 roubles. The artist noted that the penalty imposed was in the "lower range" under the article of the law under which he was convicted. Despite this Loskutov intends to appeal against the fine in a court of higher jurisdiction. He noted that as a final resort his claim would be submitted to the Strasbourg Court of Human Rights.

The opposition website Kasparov.ru noted that it only became known on 7 June that the artist had been indicted for his "icons". Earlier a pre-investigation inquiry had been carried out after the appearance of the "icons" on the streets. However, attempts to bring a criminal case were dismissed.

Meanwhile, the artist is involved in a different case. In Novosibirsk on 23 April, the trial of a case resumed under which he is accused of insulting representatives of the authorities.