Posner among signatories of letter calling for Malobrodsky’s release

Renowned journalist Vladimir Posner, and more than 20 leading cultural figures in Russia have signed a letter arguing for the release of Alexei Malobrodsky, the former Gogol Centre director and Seventh Studio general producer, who was arrested in June on suspicion of fraud.

The text of the letter was published by Ekho Moskvi (Echo of Moscow) radio station on August 7, in which the signatories stated, “The theatrical community, and figures of art and culture are extremely concerned about the situation around the case of Seventh Studio, which caused a wide public resonance not only in Russia but also abroad.”

As well as dismissing the prosecution’s claims as “absurd”, the letter calls for Malobrodsky to be released from custody during the investigation, arguing that the measures currently taken against the theatre director are “excessive, cruel and unjustified”.

Among the signatories are some of Russia’s leading cultural names, including actress Chulpan Khamatova, animator Yuriy Norshteyn, director Alexander Sokurov, writer Vladimir Sorokin and musician Andrey Makarevich.

Malobrodsky was detained on June 19, while the investigation into his alleged embezzlement is still ongoing. Since his arrest, the theatre community has rallied around the former director, arguing that the detention has ulterior motives.

Source: Lenta (in Russian)