Navalny’s Widow Calls for Italy to Cancel Pro-Putin Conductor’s Concert
Yulia Navalnaya is leading calls for Italy to cancel a performance by conductor Valery Gergiev, a known Putin ally, at a music festival. Gergiev, who has faced repercussions for refusing to condemn the invasion of Ukraine, is slated to perform for the first time in Europe since the war began. Navalnaya argues that the concert is a gift to Putin, as Gergiev has been a long-time supporter and promoter of his policies. Despite international sanctions, Italian officials, particularly the president of the Campania region, have endorsed the invitation, citing the separation of culture and politics.
John Q. Hosedrinker