Topless Femen Activist Fined for Attacking Vladimir Putin Statue

PARIS — A member of topless feminist group Femen was convicted of exhibitionism Wednesday after attacking a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a wax museum. With "Kill Putin" written on her nude breasts, Iana Zhdanova target the likeness of Putin at the Musee Grevin with a wooden stake in June.

The Ukrainian activist, who has lived in France for two years as a political refugee, laughed in court after the judge ordered her to pay fine of 1,500 euros ($1,897) for vandalism and a crime called "sexual exhibition" in French, as well as other damages payable to Musee Grevin. "I'm laughing because it's very strange," said Zhdanova, 26, outside the courtroom. "I'm very surprised by this decision." Femen specialises in shock bare-breast appearances to dramatise women's rights causes, mainly in the male-dominated hierarchies of Russia and its former Soviet allies, with Putin a particular target. The wax statue of Putin fell over during the attack, a part of the head shattering. It has since been repaired.

Image: An activist from the feminist group Femen holding a wax statue representing Russian President Vladimir Putin ERIC FEFERBERG / AFP - Getty Images, file