Protests, taking many, sometimes unusual, forms greeted Vladimir Putin yesterday, during the WW II 70th anniversary ceremonies at Weesterplatte.

Outside the Grand and Sheraton hotels in the seaside resort of Sopot, where the prime minister of Russia was staying, protestors chanted slogans such as “Putin, the murder,” and “Drink Georgian wine – don’t be a afraid of Putin,” in reference to Russian armed conflicts in Georgia and Chechnya.

The most unusual form of protest, however, came from Michal Rachon, a former spokesman for the Ministry of Interior in the Law and Justice government (2005 – 7) who was dressed up for the occasion in a costume that resembled a penis (see video below).

The costume was an obscure reference to when the Russian secret services mocked a rally by Russian presidential candidate and former world chess champion Gary Kasparov by circling the event with model helicopter with a dildo attached.

The protestors in Sopot chanted: “Where’s the penis, Putin?”

Police later detained Rachon in connection with charges of “insulting a head of state”, which is illegal in Poland. Rachon was released later in day, with no charges being pressed against him. (pg)