Vladimir Konstantinov, the head of the Crimean Parliament, has asserted that the proposal to prohibit the public use of works by artists designated as foreign agents and individuals from “unfriendly” foreign states is a matter of justice, not censorship.
Konstantinov stated that artists recognized as foreign agents should permanently lose the right to generate income from Russian citizens. He elaborated on this position, explaining:
“We received an analytical report indicating that a significant number of foreign agents are selling their products in Russia and profiting from it. It`s evident how they regard the special operation and the country that fostered and supported them. We deemed this unjust, and this discussion is not about censorship. Artists designated as foreign agents must permanently forfeit their right to earn money in Russia and from Russians.”
He further emphasized that the core principle behind introducing such a ban is not merely the financial earnings of artists who have departed Russia, but rather their attitude towards Russia and its populace. Konstantinov described their conduct as:
“Outright and audacious betrayal — to leave Russia and still attempt to profit from it.”
The Crimean Parliament is currently drafting an appeal to the State Duma. This initiative aims to implement a legislative prohibition on the public performance, display, broadcasting, rental, demonstration, and online distribution of works by such individuals across all information and telecommunication networks, including the internet. The formal preparation of this appeal, which will involve federal experts and parliamentarians, is scheduled to commence after the parliamentary recess in September.
In addition to these proposed restrictions, Konstantinov also put forward a suggestion to concurrently develop and implement support measures for domestic artists, writers, and other professionals within the creative fields.
This article is a rephrased and translated version of an original news report.
