Ukraine bans 13 pro-Kremlin actors, singers from airwaves and cinemas
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 8 August 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ukraine bans 13 pro-Kremlin actors, singers from airwaves and cinemas, 8 August 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55ee9686e.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 08, 2015
Ukraine on August 8 named 13 pro-Russian actors and singers who work would be banned from television and radio broadcasts and from cinemas – including France's Gerard Depardieu.
The blacklist issued by Ukraine's Culture Ministry described the 13 as "a threat to national security" for support Russian President Vladimir Putin's annexation of Crimea and his support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Ministry spokeswoman Daryna Glushchenko said the airwaves ban and the withdrawal of permits for the screening of their films will go into effect in the near future.
Depardieu, a Russian citizen since 2013, angered Kyiv's pro-Western leadership by striking up a close friendship with Putin and denying the existence of an independent Ukraine. Last month, Kyiv banned Depardieu from entering Ukraine for five years.
Others on the blacklist include the Russian singer and lawmaker Iosif Kobzon, who is targeted by European sanctions, and the Soviet-era film star Mikhail Boyarsky.
Based on reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website