Vatican Topless Protester - A member of the radical feminist group Femen, who bared her breast and stole a statue of baby Jesus in St. Peter Square on Christmas Day, has been freed by the Holy See on Saturday.
Yana Zhdanova was released after a meeting with the Holy See, according to Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi. Zhdanova was set free with an order that prohibits her from stepping into the Vatican City and other Vatican properties outside of the city.
Only hours after Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message, Zhdanova, topless - with 'God is Woman' written on her body - made a dash and grabbed the statue of baby Jesus from a life-sized display of the nativity in St. Peter Square. She was quickly followed by a guard, who covered her with his cape after brief scuffle, but not before she shouted "God is Woman."
Zhdavova's protest, which has been described as one of the most high profile of Femen's controversial demonstrations, has attracted widespread criticisms from the Catholic community across the world.
Some critics have noted that the Vatican's ruling after Zhdanova's protest did not weigh up to the comments of Rev. Lombardi, who said that the protest was an insult and would be taken seriously.
Rev. Lombardi noted that members of Femen have targeted the church in the past with the sole aim of offending religious feeling. Azhdanova was expected to be charged with theft, disturbing the peace and staging obscene acts in a public place.
Azhdanova's protest on Christmas Day came shortly after the Pope spoke and condemned violence across the world, child trafficking and abortion.
It is unclear what effects Azhdnova's arrest and ban will have on other members of Femen, who may well have plans of also protesting in the Vatican City. Since the radical feminists group broke into recognition in 2008, they have stolen the headlines several times. However, it is unclear if the goals of the organization are being fulfilled.
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