Russian Artist Says Drug Charges Politically Motivated

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.