Russian court sets trial date for German artist over satirical Putin floats

Moscow [Russia], December 25: A Russian court has scheduled the first public hearing in a criminal case against German sculptor Jacques Tilly, accused of discrediting the Russian military through his satirical Carnival floats depicting President Vladimir Putin. The Moscow court said the trial will begin on December 30. Proceedings will be held in absentia, as Tilly is not in Russia.
According to the court, Tilly faces charges of discrediting Russia's armed forces, an offence that under Russian law carries a possible fine or a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
The case was formally filed on December 15, the court said. A preliminary closed-door hearing was held on Wednesday morning, though a court spokeswoman declined to provide further details. Tilly is best known for his sharply satirical floats in Dusseldorf's Shrove Monday parade, one of the highlights of Germany's Carnival season. His works, often employing dark humour and provocative imagery. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune