Senator Narusova, after Putin’s message, demanded to deal with the “squeezing out of theaters” of artists

Well-known cultural figures in Russia are being “squeezed out of theaters” because of their position on the military operation. This, according to Senator Lyudmila Narusova, is contrary to the Constitution and the theses of the President’s message to the Federal Assembly, RBC reports.

Narusova, in particular, recalled the statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin that the authorities would not “engage in witch hunting” and “settle scores with those who took a step aside.” However, as the senator noted, people’s artists are “squeezed out of the theaters.” She also mentioned People’s Artist Liya Akhedzhakova, who is not allowed to participate in performances.

“Only because they freely expressed their belief or their opinion, even if it differs from the generally accepted. But this is their constitutionally guaranteed right,” Narusova said.

She also criticized the proposals with which the State Duma is now “overwhelmed” and which involve the introduction of measures in relation to those who left Russia after the start of the special operation.

In this regard, she asked the speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko to instruct the committee on science, education and culture to seek clarification from the Ministry of Culture. In turn, the head of the profile committee, Lilia Gumerova, said that she fully supported the president’s statement, however, in her opinion, it is necessary to distinguish between those who “stepped aside” and those cultural figures who today speak “ugly” about Russia.

“The Committee is monitoring this situation,” Gumerova added.

Recall that the day before, speaking with a message to the Federal Assembly, Vladimir Putin said that Western countries would try to “split Russian society”, using “national traitors” for this. At the same time, he stressed that the authorities would “settle scores with those who took a step aside.”