Pussy Riot protest at Venice Biennale forces Russian pavilion to briefly close
Summary
The Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale temporarily closed after protestors from the activist group Pussy Riot demonstrated against Russia’s presence at the art festival. The protest included chanting slogans, lighting flares, and attempts to enter the pavilion, highlighting opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. A related protest also took place outside the Israeli pavilion concerning the conflict in Gaza.Key Facts
- Pussy Riot activists protested at the Russian pavilion wearing pink masks and lighting colorful flares.
- Protesters shouted slogans against Russia’s actions in Ukraine and criticized the pavilion’s inclusion in the festival.
- Police prevented about 40 activists, including members of feminist group Femen, from entering the pavilion.
- A statue outside the pavilion was wrapped in a Ukrainian flag by the protesters.
- The protest came after reports that the European Commission warned the biennale against allowing Russia to participate due to EU sanctions.
- The biennale’s jury resigned after controversies over entries from countries with leaders facing international arrest warrants, including Russia and Israel.
- A protest also occurred at the Israeli pavilion, with demonstrators opposing Israel’s role in the Gaza conflict.
- Officials and ministers from some countries avoided the event because of the political tensions surrounding Russian and Israeli participation.
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