Volgograd painter Philippenzo leaves Russia after searches

Philip Kozlov, a street painter from Volgograd, known under the pseudonym of Philippenzo, has left Russia after searches and detention by law enforcers. He has explained his departure from Russia by the threat of imprisonment within a criminal case.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on September 1, law enforcers conducted searches in the apartment and studio of Philip Kozlov, obliging him to later appear for questioning.

Kozlov has told the "Sota" outlet that he emigrated to Lithuania due to the threat of a criminal case under the article of vandalism motivated by political hatred.

According to preliminary data, Kozlov is charged with vandalism motivated by political hatred due to his latest street art work, the outlet "Polygon" has reported. The work was a large inscription about Russia, made under a bridge in Moscow for the Day of Russia on June 12. After this, policemen came to his home; and Kozlov decided to leave the country.

On July 29, 2023, Kozlov was returning from Georgia and was detained at the Moscow airport, after which he was arrested for 15 days on charges of disobeying the police. On the 13th day of his arrest, he was taken to court, again accused of disobeying law enforcers, and was re-arrested for 15 days. The painter was released on August 26.