CZECH ACTIVISTS: "THE DICTATOR HAS NO CLOTHES."

By Wilhelmine Preussen
Politico

A Czech activist group is auctioning a sculpture of Russian President Vladimir Putin sitting naked on a golden toilet – with proceeds from the sale set to go toward buying a combat for Ukraine.

The effigy – named “Naked Killers” and also featuring Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko – was designed as a critique of Putin’s lavish and luxurious lifestyle, but has changed appearance several times since its unveiling in 2021, adapting to current events.

The activist and author of the concept, Otakar van Gemund, was inspired by Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny and his investigation into Putin’s palace, where toilet brushes alone reportedly cost €15,000. The motif of toilet brushes later became a symbol of resistance during anti-regime demonstrations in Russia.

“It is a symbol of the perversity of the Russian regime, its mafia aesthetics and totalitarian despotism,” van Gemund said at a press conference, adding that, in his eyes, the statue shows that Putin is only pretending to be strong.

The starting price has been set at €10,000 and the auction lasts until December 20.

After evidence of Russian war crimes was discovered at Bucha, a mannequin of a civilian victim in a plastic bag was added under Putin’s pedestal. A golden letter “Z,” a Russian military marking which has become the main sign of public support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, on a gold chain was added to the dictator’s chest.