It’s Edward Snowden or bust.
The artists behind the Edward Snowden statue that was covertly erected in Fort Greene Park are demanding that the NYPD return the bronze-colored bust.
The tribute to the 31-year-old National Security Agency leaker was confiscated hours after it surfaced at the park’s Prison Ship Martyrs Monument on April 6.
The unidentified artists’ lawyer, Ron Kuby, revealed Tuesday that he’s fired off a letter to NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton — demanding the NYPD release the statue.
“Whatever the right of the Parks Department to remove an unauthorized sculpture, that does not translate into the right of the police to indefinitely detain a work of art,” Kuby said Tuesday at the site where the Snowden bust was erected.
“The statue itself is not contraband.”
The artists are planning to submit an application to exhibit the sculpture through the Parks Department’s Art in the Parks initiative, a program that displays artwork in city parks throughout the city.
A Manhattan gallery, Postmasters, is also hoping to put the piece on display next month.
“By releasing our sculpture of the NYPD has an amazing opportunity to show it protects not only its people, but also honors the city’s long history as a benchmark for creative expression and free thinking,” the artists said in a statement read by Geoffrey Croft, president of NYC Park Advocates.
NYPD spokeswoman Deputy Chief Kim Royster said confiscated property “may be” returned once investigations are wrapped up.
“All property that is confiscated for investigatory purposes may be returned to the rightful owner after the investigation is completed and if claimed by the owner who produces proper identification,” Royster said.
The stunt was meticulously planned.
The artists, donning reflective vests and white construction helmets to mimic Parks Department workers, hoisted and secured the bust before 6 a.m.
The 4-foot tall bust weighing 100 pounds was made of hydrocal, a sculpting material.
“Our goal is to bring a renewed vitality to the space and prompt even more visitors to ponder the sacrifices made for their freedoms,” the artists said in a statement at the time.
“We hope this inspires them to reflect upon the responsibility we all bear to ensure our liberties exist long into the future.”
With BARRY PADDOCK