Vitaly Borodin, the head of the federal project on security and the fight against corruption, has requested Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov to initiate three criminal cases against People’s Artist of Russia Lia Akhedzhakova and declared her a foreign agent. The charges include high treason, public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the RF Armed Forces, and inciting hatred or enmity. Borodin has also suggested stripping Akhedzhakova of her Russian citizenship, awards, and honorary titles due to her statements regarding a special military operation in Ukraine. The actress has spoken out against the Russian military operation in Ukraine and reportedly transferred funds to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Despite losing her job, she remains in Russia and gives interviews to Ukrainian TV channels. Previously, Borodin reported singers Valery Meladze, Diana Arbenina, and producer Semyon Slepakov to the Prosecutor General’s Office for criticizing the special operation. Akhedzhakova, who has served in the Sovremennik troupe since 1977 and received multiple state awards, including the Order of Honor and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, is now 84 years old.
The head of the federal project on security and the fight against corruption, Vitaly Borodin, appealed to Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov with a request to initiate three criminal cases against People’s Artist of Russia Lia Akhedzhakova. He also asked to recognize the actress as a foreign agent.
From appeals It follows that Art. 275 (“high treason”), Art. 280.3 (public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the RF Armed Forces), art. 282 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (inciting hatred or enmity). Vitaly Borodin added that Leah Akhedzhakova should be deprived of Russian citizenship, awards and honorary titles in connection with her statements about a special military operation in Ukraine.
The head of the federal project also claims that, having lost her job at Sovremennik for her pro-Ukrainian statements and actions, the actress remains in Russia, gives interviews to Ukrainian TV channels, in one of which she wishes Ukraine victory. In addition, Mr. Borodin said that the actress provided financial support to Ukraine and urged to join it. The transfer of funds to Ukraine is considered as treason under Art. 275.
Earlier today, April 11, Vitaly Borodin reported in his Telegram channel about plans to contact Igor Krasnov. In the post, he published a fragment of an interview with Liya Akhedzhakova to one of the Ukrainian channels, during which she wishes Ukraine victory, arguing that the majority of people in Russia are against hostilities.
“I don’t know what drives Akhedzhakova, but she crossed all the lines,” Vitaly Borodin commented on her interview, calling the actress “a real traitor to Russia.” Previously, for criticizing the special operation, Mr. Borodin had already applied to the Prosecutor General’s Office about singers Valery Meladze, Diana Arbenina, and producer Semyon Slepakov.
Liya Akhedzhakova, 84, has repeatedly spoken out against the Russian military operation in Ukraine. At the end of February 2022, it was reported that the actress transferred money to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which Ms. Akhedzhakova herself denied. On March 10, in her letter, the actress said that the Department of Culture supported the decision of the head of Sovremennik, Yuri Kravets, to exclude her from the theater’s repertoire. Later, she said that she had resigned on the same day of her own free will. On April 9, this information was confirmed by Sovremennik. The actress has served in the Sovremennik troupe since 1977.
During her career, the actress received many awards and awards, including state ones. Among them are the Order of Honor for merits in the field of culture and many years of fruitful work and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland for contribution to the development of theatrical art.
The case of Russian actress Lia Akhedzhakova has taken a dramatic turn as the head of the federal project on security and the fight against corruption, Vitaly Borodin, has requested criminal cases and her recognition as a foreign agent. Borodin accuses the People’s Artist of Russia of high treason, inciting hatred or enmity, and supporting Ukraine financially. Akhedzhakova has been vocal against the Russian military operations in Ukraine and her stance has cost her significant awards, titles, and her job at Sovremennik. With her career at stake, it remains to be seen how this case will unfold.