The St. Petersburg Court Rules MDT Fine for Sanitary Violations
The Maly Drama Theater – European Theater, located in the Kuibyshevsky District, faced a monetary penalty after findings by the local law enforcement and health authorities. The ruling came from the St. Petersburg court system and was reported by Fontanka, a regional news outlet mentioned as the source of the information.
The court assessed a fine of 15,000 rubles against MDT. The case centered on a Rospotrebnadzor protocol that described violations of sanitary standards as a potential threat to public health. The court, however, noted that the document did not specify the exact violations or how they affected people, leading to a dismissal of the materials on May 11. This outcome prompted further questions about the specifics of the alleged infractions and their immediate impact on theater attendees and staff.
The situation also touched on the theater lineup and participation of well-known performers. It was reported that an upcoming performance featuring actor Danila Kozlovsky was canceled, a decision attributed to his involvement with MDT. Kozlovsky indicated on his Telegram channel that he was taking leave and that the program was adjusted in light of ongoing events. The cancellation added to the broader discourse surrounding the theater and its programming during the scrutiny period.
Earlier actions involved Vitaly Borodin, a social activist who approached the prosecutor’s office with a request to review whether an actor violated laws related to insulting state institutions. The activist claimed that the artist opposed Russia’s special operation in Ukraine. Kozlovsky denied the accusations and sought a legal remedy for alleged harm to honor and dignity, a claim that the court did not accept at that time. Reports indicate that the actor disputed the charges and later expressed willingness to pursue a renewed legal challenge if circumstances changed.
These events illustrate the ongoing tension between artistic expression, public health compliance, and legal accountability within cultural institutions in St. Petersburg. Observers note that the MDT case highlights the need for clear documentation when health authorities identify possible violations, ensuring that any allegations specify exact infractions and their concrete effects on the public. The court’s decision underscores the importance of precise records in regulatory actions while allowing room for future legal procedures if new facts emerge. Fontanka and other regional outlets have provided ongoing coverage of these developments, offering residents a steady stream of updates on how the theater’s activities may evolve in the months ahead.