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Police seize painting of Putin in women's underwear

A visitor takes a picture of the artwork entitled "Travesty" by Konstantin Altunin Credit: Reuters

Police have seized a painting of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in women's underwear from a gallery in St Petersburg.

The officers reportedly said the satirical image which shows Putin wearing a tight-fitting slip and Medvedev wearing a bra and knickers had broken unspecified laws.

Gallery staff also said a picture of the head of the Russian Orthodox Church covered in tattoos, and two others poking fun at lawmakers who backed anti-gay legislation were also removed.

Alexander Donskoy said his gallery had been shut down and police have given him no explanation for the "illegal" removal of paintings from the exhibition, titled 'Leaders'.