Putin targeted by topless protest at ASEM summit

Image
AFP Milan (Italy)
Last Updated : Oct 16 2014 | 3:25 PM IST
Topless Femen activists poured buckets of wine over their naked breasts in front of Milan's cathedral today, in the latest of the women's rights group's signature protests.
The stunt, witnessed by a handful of bemused commuters on a chilly morning, came ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in the Italian city for an ASEM summit of European and Asian leaders.
Femen leader Inna Shevchenko was one of the two women performing what looked like a version of the ice-bucket challenge for the benefit of a gaggle of photographers and video crews.
With the slogan "ASEM allies of Putin" emblazoned across her naked torso, she said the wine was intended to symbolise the blood being spilled in her native Ukraine as a result of Russian meddling in the country.
"We believe that welcoming a killer, a person who is killing a whole nation right now - and this Ukrainian blood is right here, is on us - and shaking his hand, is ignoring the big torture, the big killing and the war in Ukraine that is started and supported by Putin," Shevchenko told AFPTV.
Putin was due to arrive in Milan later today for a summit overshadowed by his presence and efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.
Putin is scheduled to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Porochenko for breakfast talks tomorrow morning.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 16 2014 | 3:25 PM IST

Next Story