IKEA has pulled a "Pussy Riot-style" picture from an online photo competition, according to BuzzFeed.
IKEA is holding a competition for the cover photograph of its next catalogue. The picture, in first place at the time of its removal, featured four individuals wearing colored masks similar to the ones sported by members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot.
The Moscow Times, which originally reported the story, cited a statement released by IKEA on its Russian-language website that said, "IKEA is a commercial organization that operates independently of politics and religion." The statement added, "We cannot allow our advertising project to be used as a means of propaganda."
Russian authorities are still looking for members of the band that have evaded capture, the Moscow Times reported.
There have been no reports of Russian government pressure on the Swedish furniture manufacturer.