Court supports Lithuania in banning pro-Putin singer

The European Court of Human Rights maintains the ban imposed by the Lithuanian authorities on the Russian pop artist from entering the country, considering him a threat to national security. The judges of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) said this on Thursday (18/04). the Strasbourg Court ruled in favor of the ban imposed by the Lithuanian authorities on singer Philipp Kirkorov’s entry into the country, deeming him a threat to national security.

The court agreed with the Lithuanian assessment of Kirkorov, who had previously called himself “Vladimir Putin’s representative on the stage.”

Why was Kirkorov denied entry?

In January 2021, Lithuanian immigration authorities, at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, banned Kirkorov from entering Lithuania for five years

Authorities have said Kirkorov is a Russian propaganda tool in the countries of the former Soviet Union. They also believe that by regularly giving concerts in Crimea, he supports the aggressive policy of the Russian state.

Kirkorov, a 56-year-old Russian-Bulgarian citizen, filed a legal challenge claiming that he is an artist and is not interested in politics. He said that his songs talk about love, human relationships and nature.

Immigration authorities reiterated their arguments, pointing out that Kirkorov publicly conveyed the message that the “return” of the Crimean peninsula to Russia is “a glorious and victorious event.”

Kirkorov’s appeal was finally rejected in September 2021 by the Lithuanian Supreme Administrative Court. The court found that the ban was not disproportionate as Kirkorov had no family, social or economic ties in Lithuania.

What did the Strasbourg judges say?

The ECtHR ruled that Lithuania’s decision was based on the applicant’s statements and behavior and was not arbitrary or baseless.

In particular, the judges concluded that Kirkorov openly stated that he supported Russia’s actions on the Crimean peninsula and claimed to be acting on behalf of Putin.

The judges found that the ban prevented Kirkorov from sharing information and ideas in Lithuania, so there was an interference with his right to freedom of expression.

However, the interference had a legal basis in national and EU law and its objective – the protection of national security and public order – was legitimate.

The court noted that “various means of propaganda, including television, social media, films and famous singers such as the applicant, have been used by Russia against the Baltic States.” The courts, the Lithuanian Parliament and the European Parliament, according to the court, “recognized the need to expose Russian disinformation and propaganda warfare.”

The court noted that Kirkorov’s rights as an EU citizen were limited when it came to entering Lithuania, but that it is a country with which he does not have strong ties.

King of Russian pop

Kirkorov, considered the “king of the Russian pop scene”, was born in Varna, Bulgaria, to a Bulgarian mother and an Armenian father. His family moved to the Soviet Union when he was still a child.

He began his musical career in the late 1980s and quickly gained popularity in Russia and other parts of the former Soviet Union.

In 1995, he represented Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest, singing Lullaby for a Volcano, and placed 17th.

Kirkorov has won numerous awards throughout his career, including the title “People’s Artist of Russia” in 2008. He is famous not only for his musical achievements, but also for his extravagant stage costumes.

Despite his success, including several hits on the Russian music charts, Kirkorov has, at times, been a controversial figure.

In 2019, he was criticized for performing a song at a concert in Azerbaijan that was seen as mocking the Armenian Genocide.

More recently, he was among a group of Russian entertainment stars who came under fire for attending a controversial party in Moscow in December. Photos of scantily clad guests were posted online, and the tasteless party sparked a conservative backlash from Russia’s political establishment at a time when Russian soldiers are fighting in Ukraine.

Kirkorov publicly apologized after the Russian Ministry of Culture threatened to remove his People’s Artist title.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.