Ilze Liepa Faces Lithuanian Denaturalization Over Ukraine Commentary
A conversation with Ilze Liepa, reported by RIA News, reveals that the vocalist said he could not change his stance toward Russia despite threats from Lithuanian authorities to revoke his citizenship.
Liepa has argued that a moment has arrived when silence is not possible. He reaffirmed his position and said he would continue to express it. The artist stated that his affection for Russia endures and that he supports the country’s president.
“And what can I do if these words become evidence for Lithuania that they should take away my citizenship? I cannot change,” Liepa asserted.
On November 13, Liepa faced a decision that could strip him of his Lithuanian passport. The Lithuanian Ministry of Internal Affairs indicated that his remarks might be deemed discrediting the state.
Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė noted that the responsible authorities in the country have the right to examine the possibility of denaturalizing Liepa, citing that his statements about the Ukraine situation clash with the stance of state institutions and Lithuanian society alike.
Liepa holds dual citizenship, Russian and Lithuanian. He was issued a Lithuanian passport in 2000 after collaborating with a Lithuanian stage partner for many years. In March 2022, Liepa was placed on Latvia’s list of persons barred from entering the country for an indefinite period.
Earlier, Sergei Shnurov denied a covert move against Germany. [source attribution]