Navalny Widow Criticizes Russian Conductor’s Appearance at Italian Festival

Reggia di caserta: The widow of Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian dissident who passed away in a Siberian jail in February last year, has publicly criticized an upcoming performance at the Reggia di Caserta by a Russian orchestra conductor. She claims the conductor is not only a close friend and supporter of Vladimir Putin but also an accomplice to the Russian leader’s alleged crimes.

According to Ansa News Agency, Julija Navalnaja made her appeal through the Rome daily, la Repubblica, urging authorities to block the participation of the musician, Valerij Gergiev, in the Estate da Re (King’s Summer) program. The event is held at the historic former Bourbon royal palace north of Naples, a UNESCO site known for its significant cultural heritage and appearances in films like Star Wars.

Navalnaja stated, “I’m simply obliged to say it: there’s a major problem with the ‘Summer of a King’ festival. Because Valery Gergiev, the famous Russian conductor, was invited to the event. He’s a dear friend of Vladimir Putin. Not just a friend. And not just a supporter. But also a promoter of Putin’s criminal policies, his accomplice and supporter,” she told la Repubblica.

She further appealed to the Italian public, emphasizing Gergiev’s long-standing support for Putin’s policies. She noted, “For many years, the maestro has supported Putin’s policies with a fervor worthy of the noblest causes,” and detailed how Gergiev allegedly supported or colluded with these policies.

Navalnaja referenced a 2022 investigation by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded by her late husband, titled ‘Putin’s War Conductor.’ The investigation revealed how Gergiev allegedly used funds from a charitable foundation for personal gain. “These resources, essentially owned by the Russian state and intended to support theaters and young talent, were used to ensure his comfortable life,” she claimed.

She concluded by insisting that Gergiev’s association with the regime makes him an integral part of it, pointing out his silence on the invasion of Ukraine. “Isn’t that enough to never invite him to international music festivals again?” she questioned.