French authorities have charged Russian performance artist Pyotr Pavlensky and his associate Oksana Shalygina with arson of the Bank of France, AFP reports, citing a source in the judicial system.

They were accused of "destroying other people's property by means dangerous to others," the agency writes. Pavlensky and Shalygina will be kept in custody pending trial, writes Le Figaro.

Earlier it was reported that Pavlensky was transferred back to custody from the police psychiatric hospital after an examination.

Pyotr Pavlensky, who, together with Oksana Shalygina, received political asylum in France, set fire to the building of the Bank of France in Paris on the night of October 16. They were both detained. According to Pavlensky's acquaintances, he explained his action by the fact that the bank is located on the site of the Bastille, and "the revival of revolutionary France will start a worldwide fire of revolutions."
Pavlensky and Shalygina left Russia with their children after Teatra.doc actress Anastasia Slonina accused them of sexual harassment and beating her ex-boyfriend. The artist called these accusations politically motivated.
In November 2015, Pavlensky set fire to the door of the FSB building on Lubyanka in Moscow, dedicating this action to the Ukrainian director Oleg Sentsov convicted on charges of terrorism. He was sentenced to a fine and compensation for the damaged door. Pavlensky refused to pay.

Pyotr Pavlensky and Oksana Shalygina were charged with arson at the Bank of France