France Moves to Revoke Asylum of Russian Artist Pyotr Pavlensky
On June 8, 2026, Pyotr Pavlensky was informed that his refugee status in France, granted on April 28, 2017, is under threat due to his legal troubles. The French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons initiated this process following his convictions related to two controversial acts: the 2017 arson at the Banque de France and the 2020 release of an explicit video involving a French politician. He was deemed guilty of property damage in 2019 and violating privacy laws in 2023. Pavlensky, originally from Leningrad, has 21 days to formally contest the decision.
Key facts
- OFPRA initiated revocation of Pavlensky's refugee status on 8 June 2026.
- Grounds: convictions for Lightning (2017) and Pornopolitics (2020) actions.
- Pavlensky was convicted on 10 January 2019 for destruction of property and on 11 October 2023 for privacy violation.
- OFPRA cites Article L.511-7 of CESEDA, claiming Pavlensky poses a serious threat.
- Pavlensky's response: 'It seems the French authorities really don't like subject-object art.'
- He was granted asylum in France in 2017.
- Pavlensky's Russian actions (2012-2016) included Seam, Fixation, Segregation, Carcass, and setting fire to FSB headquarters.
- He has 21 days to submit written observations to OFPRA.
Entities
Artists
- Pyotr Pavlensky
- Petr Pavlensky
Institutions
- Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA)
- Banque de France
- Paris Criminal Court
- Federal Security Service (FSB)
- Kazan Cathedral
- Red Square
- Saint Petersburg Legislative Assembly
- Serbsky Centre
- Artlyst
- Pussy Riot
- OFPRA
- CNDA
- Seagull Books
- Au diable vauvert
Locations
- France
- Paris
- Russia
- Leningrad
- Saint Petersburg
- Moscow
- Lubyanka Square
- Red Square
- Place de la Bastille