You're reading: RFE/RL: Russian to seek asylum in France due to pressure over artwork depicting Poklonskaya, Tsar

RFE/RL: Russian to seek asylum in France due to pressure over artwork depicting Poklonskaya, Tsar

Published June 18, 2018 at 1:42 pm

Crimea's Chief Prosecutor Natalia Poklonskaya (C) carries an icon with a portrait of the last Russian tsar Nicholas II as she takes part in the Immortal Regiment march during the Victory Day celebrations in Simferopol, Crimea, on May 9, 2016.

Photo by AFP

A Russian artist who has faced pressure over works mocking nationalist lawmaker Natalya Poklonskaya says he left Russia earlier this year and plans to seek political asylum in France.

Denis Lopatin told RFE/RL on June 17 that he left Russia in February and will seek asylum because he has received numerous threats.