The theater director Yevgenia Berkovich faces legal action in connection with allegations tied to her artistic work, while she maintains her innocence. This report comes through DEA News, citing her defense attorney, Ksenia Karpinskaya.
Her counsel asserts that Berkovich does not accept any wrongdoing. The defense contends that the case aims to justify punitive measures against the director, and the defense team is prepared to challenge the prosecution’s claims in court.
The investigation has requested the director’s detention as a precautionary measure. Earlier records from the Moscow Zamoskvoretsky Court indicate that prosecutors filed charges alleging that Berkovich violated legal norms by presenting a reading of a play on a video platform, which the authorities framed as a criminal offense.
In a previous statement, Berkovich’s lawyer criticized the investigative process, arguing that the assessment of the central case was not performed by specialists with relevant expertise but rather by an educational institution, a move the attorney described as destructive and ungrounded. He labeled this method pseudo-scientific and said it did not align with recognized professional standards or current accreditation lists.
According to Berkovich’s mother, Elena Efros, the allegations stem from the stage work Finist the Clear Falcon, a production inspired by the play written by Svetlana Petriychuk. Petriychuk herself was detained alongside the director. The narrative centers on female protagonists who consider entering relationships with radical Islamists and eventually travel to Syria as part of the dramatic arc.
Observers note that the case underscores ongoing tensions between artistic expression and legal boundaries in the cultural sphere. Supporters of Berkovich argue that the legal actions threaten artistic freedom and raise questions about the interpretation of texts and performances in a modern urban context. Critics, however, insist that the material crosses lines that warrant legal scrutiny and public safety concerns. The situation continues to unfold as officials pursue further investigative steps and the defense prepares comprehensive arguments to contest the charges.
Analysts familiar with the case emphasize the importance of separating a playwright’s intentions from a director’s responsibilities when interpreting controversial material on stage or screen. They also highlight the need for clear, transparent procedures in evaluating art-related prosecutions to prevent overreach and protect civil liberties while ensuring that any potential harm is addressed in a principled, legally sound manner.
Throughout the proceedings, the defense team remains focused on upholding due process and challenging any procedural irregularities that could influence the outcome. The public awaits additional updates as the court system continues to weigh the facts, the legal framework, and the broader implications for theater and artistic practice.