Belarusian activist Aliaksei Kuzmich will appear before a French court tomorrow, April 3, over the performance “Insemination.” The artist faces up to seven years in prison and a €100,000 fine for vandalism against France’s historical heritage.
“The trial in the ‘Insemination’ case in Paris. Vandalism against France’s historical heritage. Up to 7 years in prison and a €100,000 fine. This Friday, April 3. You will be able to personally verify the process of my biological normalization. Time: 13:30. Location: Palais de Justice de Paris (29 Av. de la Prte de Clichy, 75017 Paris),” Kuzmich wrote on social media about the upcoming court hearing.
The “Insemination” performance took place in September 2024 at Place Vendôme. Using the Vendôme Column as a phallic symbol, the artist added what he described as testicles in yellow paint. “Let the flow of creation break through the layers of bureaucratic deadness of culture,” Kuzmich said in a comment on the work. In his view, France has lost the living spirit of culture, but it can be restored through play and creativity.
After some time, no trace of the work remained.
However, as a result of the act, a trial will take place tomorrow against the artist, who only recently received a refusal from the French authorities to grant him refugee status. According to a document dated February 24, 2026, signed by a representative of the French Office for the Protection of Refugees (OFPRA), Kuzmich’s presence in the country is considered a threat.
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