An artist in the western Siberian city of Novosibirsk who has been charged with drug possession says the charges against him are politically motivated because of his civic activism, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.
Artem Loskutov, 23, says the drugs allegedly found on him when he was arrested on May 15 were planted on him.
Loskutov's lawyer, Valentin Demidenko, told RFE/RL that he is going to demand an additional investigation.
Loskutov is one of the organizers of a May Day political performance called "Monstration" held on May 1 each year.
The performance is an improvised show protesting and criticizing government actions using specific artistic forms, including acting.