The statue is part of a 10-exhibit art display which can be visited free of charge. It is located near the building which in Soviet times housed the Latvian headquarters of the KGB security service.
It depicts Putin on a red cross, with nails driven through his hands and head, complete with a crown of barbed wire. Unlike the creators of the other exhibits, the author of this piece has preferred to remain anonymous, reports Latvian channel TV5.
The statue is interactive: visitors are welcome to drive more nails through Putin's effigy. However, TV5 reports the viewers are split, some putting nails into the exhibit and others pulling them out.
В #Рига #Riga во дворе бывшего здания КГБ распяли статую #Путин https://t.co/iP98UJ3oSU
http://t.co/36vJhlX2xK pic.twitter.com/fVUYSz7TUe
— григорий (@fhntv29) May 15, 2015
Insulting government and officials can be regarded a crime in many countries. In Russia, it is punishable by a fine of up to $800, up to 15 days of community service, or up to a year of correctional labor.
The exhibit in Riga is a yearly event dedicated to the history of the 20th century. This year it consists of 10 objects, including, besides the crucified Putin statue, an overturned and bleeding car, which also serves as a fountain. According to the artist, it symbolizes people's indifference to each other.
Reader Comments
the Baltics and Poland are very immature and frustrated states... when they will ''grow up'' (if this ''miracle'' will ever happen) they will learn to deal with their ''little states'' complex... until then, they will remain slaves to their masters from over the pond and will behave like ''bully's right hand'' doing the ''dirty work'' for their owners...
Baltics + Poland and their relation with USA make me think at Theon Greyjoy in his relation with Ramsay Bolton (in ''Game of Thrones'')... pretty similar...
Didn't we just read a few days ago about one of the Baltic States okaying the parade of troops wearing Waffen SS uniforms?
When you kick sand in the face of an 800lb gorilla, bad things happen.
considering the snuff video that went around of ukrainian soldiers nailing a rebel fighter to a cross and lighting him on fire, this can go anywhere.
was the man crucified. jesus was created so that all of you fools could worship julius caesar, unbeknownst. as if he was horus. your fanaticism will be the ruin of you. your nation. your people. your land will then be theirs. to latvia with sadness.