Yuri Yakovlevich Chaika
Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation
Ul. B. Dimitrovka, d.15a
125993 Moscow GSP
Russian Federation

Dear Prosecutor General,

I would like to express my concern that Yurii Samodurov, director of the Sakharov Centre in Moscow, and Andrei Yerofeev, former head of the department for contemporary art at the State Tretiakov Gallery in Moscow, have been charged with inciting hatred and enmity and denigration of human dignity, for organizing the exhibition “Forbidden Art 2006”.

If found guilty of these charges, both men may face imprisonment. The exhibition included work of some of Russia's most famous contemporary artists. I believe that art does not incite hatred and that freedom of expression shouldn't be restricted, much less criminalized, on grounds that viewers might find it offensive.

I call on you to respect the right to freedom of expression and to drop the charges against Yurii Samodurov and Andrei Yerofeev.

Yours sincerely