Eduard Charlotte, a singer who enjoyed wide recognition, claimed in July that a pardon from church authorities followed the release of a video in which he apologized to Patriarch Kirill and to believers for blasphemy. He said the message reflected a sign that religious leaders had accepted his gesture, and he spoke of a positive response from the church. The claim was not backed by independent evidence, and no official confirmation was provided. The assertion appeared in the context of the criminal case still active against him, with Charlotte presenting it as part of his account of the events around the proceedings.
In the case, Charlotte said the church’s supposed response should be weighed by the court when considering his motives and the surrounding circumstances. He suggested that the apology and the church’s alleged approval could influence how the investigation and possible verdict were viewed. He did not supply documents, witness statements, or other verifiable material to confirm the church stance, leaving the claim unverified in the absence of corroboration. The narrative reflected a clash between artistic expression and religious sensitivity, a tension that has marked the legal process surrounding him.
On October 18, court records showed that the Samara regional court extended Charlotte’s detention until March 26, 2025. In court he partially admitted guilt to three of the four charges, with one of the admitted offenses involving the rehabilitation of Nazism. He was also charged with inciting hatred, violating freedom of conscience and religion, and destroying an official document. The extension underscored the seriousness of the case and the persistence of the allegations as the legal process continued.
Charlotte drew the attention of law enforcement by posting videos on social networks in which he burned his Russian passport on camera, spoke against the military operation in Ukraine, and displayed a photograph of Patriarch Kirill beside a cross bearing the image of Jesus on the cross. These actions were cited as evidence of defiance in filings about the case and for their provocative use of religious symbols and national affairs in public discourse.
On July 23, the authorities placed him on the list of terrorists and extremists. The designation is part of a broader framework used by the state to restrict activities and monitor individuals seen as threats to public security, often accompanied by legal and administrative steps against those named. The move added a new dimension to the case and amplified the attention surrounding his public persona and the charges he faces.
A former popular performer commented on the results of the Blinovskaya marathon, a public event that drew media attention and public interest. The remarks came as the case moved forward and as more details emerged about the charges and the evidence presented in court. The episode shows how public figures in Russia can find their careers entwined with legal and political controversy, shaping perceptions among fans and the broader audience.