Femen activist released after topless protest at Vatican
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 27 December 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Femen activist released after topless protest at Vatican, 27 December 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54be13d31e.html [accessed 17 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 27, 2014
Vatican authorities have ordered the release of a Ukrainian activist who bared her breasts while stealing a baby Jesus figurine from the St. Peter's Square nativity scene on December 25.
Yana Azhdanova, a member of the feminist protest group Femen, shouted "God is woman" while uncovering her chest.
A Vatican guard then covered Azhdanova with his cloak and took her into custody.
The action took place about an hour after Pope Francis had offered Christmas greetings to tens of thousands of Catholic worshippers gathered on St. Peter's Square.
Azhdanova had faced possible trial in Vatican City for disturbing the peace, obscene acts in a public place, and theft.
But judicial authorities instead ordered her release and banned her from entering Vatican City or St. Peter's Basilica.
A second protester was arrested December 26 for scaling the facade of St. Peter's to protest new EU rules on tenders for beachfront businesses. He remains in custody.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
