The Russian Interior Ministry has reportedly added Jamala, Susana Dzhamaladinova, the winner of Eurovision 2016 and a People’s Artist of Ukraine, to an international wanted list. The claim appeared in Russian outlets, citing the ministry’s search database.
On the ministry’s record, Jamala is listed as Susana Jamaladinova, born August 27, 1983, with the note: “Wanted under criminal charges.” The ministry has not disclosed which article or charges are involved.
How Jamala rose to prominence
According to Telegram channel Shot, a criminal case centers on the charge titled “Deliberate public dissemination of false information regarding the use of the RF Armed Forces,” tied to alleged national hatred. It is suggested that the case relates to a post last April containing disputed information about events in Bucha.
Mediazona, a publication listed as a foreign agent by the Russian Ministry of Justice, reported that Jamala was placed on a wanted list in mid-October and was arrested in absentia by a Russian court in November.
Jamala has consistently shown a critical stance toward Russian politics. She has publicly supported the Ukrainian government and participated in Maidan events. In 2017, she did not back a ban on Russian artists performing in Ukraine, stating that she would like to see artists who share the Ukrainian people’s position in her country.
“We cannot judge all Russians alike and view everyone through a single lens. We know many artists may not perform here for legal reasons. Even if some disagree with my stance, I believe it is correct,” UNIAN quoted her as saying.
Controversies around Crimea
Despite her location, Jamala continued to take part in Russian corporate events after the 2014 Crimea annexation, a development that sparked controversy. A representative, Denis Kozlovsky, explained to TabloID that two Russia concerts in 2014, in Moscow and Sochi, were discussed within her team. The choice was made to fulfill obligations to organizers and audiences, as the events were not the responsibility of Jamala’s management or performers.
According to Kozlovsky, Jamala did not perform private or public concerts in Russia after December 31, 2014.
Jamala served as a jury member in the 2019 Eurovision national selection. Public commentary from Anna Maria, connected to the Opanasyuk family, raised questions about the stance on Crimea. Critics asked whether a performer could represent a country while acknowledging the peninsula as a homeland; Jamala has spoken about the complexities of that issue. The debate remained part of the larger national conversation about Crimea’s status.
In a later interview, Jamala acknowledged the emotional strain surrounding Crimea while maintaining that her professional assessments remained focused on the competition and her role as a judge.
Entry restrictions to Russia
In April 2022, social media circulated a list naming Ukrainian artists and journalists allegedly barred from Russia for up to 50 years. The post listed Jamala alongside other well-known artists. There was no official confirmation from Russian law enforcement regarding the list’s legal status.
Russian performers like Nikolai Baskov publicly expressed support for restricting certain Ukrainian stars from entering Russia.
“That’s true and logical. And what do you think?” he wrote on social networks.
Who is Jamala?
Susana Jamaladinova was born in Kyrgyzstan on August 27, 1983, and moved to Crimea with her family when she was about six. She showed musical interest early, learning piano and pursuing formal training.
Her early career included participation in several competitions. An opportunity at the La Scala opera house in Milan led to a pivotal decision to join New Wave, where she emerged as a winner.
Jamala twice entered Ukraine’s Eurovision national selections, ultimately winning again and earning Ukraine’s place at the 2016 Eurovision with the original song “1944,” a piece addressing the deportation of Crimean Tatars. The victory earned her the title of People’s Artist.
She married in 2017 and has two sons. The family lived in Kyiv but relocated after renewed hostilities began. Jamala returned to the Eurovision stage in 2023, closing her performance with a shout of support for Ukraine.