Russia prosecutors in rare leniency bid for radical artist

MOSCOW: In a rare appeal for leniency in a high-profile case, Russian prosecutors said Monday a radical artist accused of torching the door of the security service's headquarters should not be jailed.
Pyotr Pavlensky doused the massive wooden doors of the FSB security service's Moscow headquarters with gasoline and set them on fire in a November performance he called "Threat".
He was swiftly arrested and initially accused of vandalism motivated by hatred, but the charge was later changed to damaging a cultural site, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.
Prosecutor Anton Sizov told a hearing Monday that replacing the doors would cost over 480,000 rubles (US$7,300, RM29,823) but asked that the accused be fined rather than jailed.
"I call for Pyotr Andreyevich to be found guilty and given the punishment of a fine of two million rubles (US$30,400)," he said, calling it a "softening" that took into account the fact that Pavlensky has two children and does not have a criminal record.
Pavlensky has refused to testify since the start of the trial, speaking only with journalists and supporters. While his defence team fought for his freedom, he demanded that the court try him for terrorism.
Sitting in a courtroom packed with supporters, Pavlensky cleared his throat and remained silent after the judge invited him for his final statement before adjourning.
His lawyer Dmitry Dinze asked the court to free Pavlensky and drop all charges against him.
"He is not a criminal element ... but a truly acknowledged performance artist," Dinze said. — AFP