Liуа Akhedzhakova, a People’s Artist of Russia, faces serious allegations including treason. The report from TASS indicates that Vitaly Borodin, who heads a federal initiative for security and anti-corruption, sent a formal request to Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov seeking criminal liability for the actress.
The letter requests that Akhedzhakova be held accountable under several articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. It cites Article 275 on treason, Article 280.3 related to publicly discrediting the armed forces, and Article 282 which covers incitement to hatred or enmity. The document also proposes declaring her a foreign agent and stripping her of state titles and awards because of her public stance on the ongoing military operation in Ukraine. It claims that, after leaving the theater, she has given interviews to Ukrainian broadcasters and openly celebrated Ukraine’s war aims while residing in Russia.
According to Borodin, Akhedzhakova allegedly admitted on social media that she supported the Ukrainian army financially by transferring 10,000 dollars and urged others to follow suit. The actress has rejected these claims. Her response emphasized skepticism about the practicality of such transfers and pointed out that large sums are contributed to the Ukrainian side by many donors worldwide.
Borodin had initially submitted his request to the Prosecutor General’s Office on December 28, and later sought to classify Akhedzhakova strictly as a foreign agent.
Vitaly Borodin, a veteran advocate for tighter oversight of celebrities and media figures, is known for making numerous submissions to the Attorney General’s Office. His docket has included petitions to investigate Dmitry Bilan for alleged drug use, calls to restrict Olga Buzova on social networks, and broader inquiries into public figures connected to the entertainment industry. He has previously highlighted concerns about media content that could be construed as propaganda, extremism, or discrediting the armed forces. His actions have drawn attention from observers tracking the intersection of culture, media, and policy in Russia.
Cancellations and complaints
On February 8, Sovremennik Theater announced a change in casting for The Gin Game, with Akhedzhakova’s involvement replaced, though the theater did not disclose the reason. The artist attributed the decision to pressure from the Moscow Ministry of Culture, noting that the theater had received letters criticizing her.
By March 10, Akhedzhakova publicly resigned from the theater on her own initiative. She indicated a plan to pursue touring and did not rule out leaving Russia, though Sovremennik later denied this development. All performances featuring Akhedzhakova were removed from the repertoire, and several regional shows were canceled.
Additionally, Akhedzhakova published an open letter to Novaya Gazeta on March 10, thanking supporters and saying farewell to the stage.
On April 9, Sovremennik Theater confirmed that the actress would no longer be part of its productions.
Location of Akhedzhakova
From the outset of the broader conflict in Ukraine, Akhedzhakova voiced opposition to the operation in interviews with Ukrainian media and through social networks. She remarked that she would visit Ukraine after the conflict concluded, signaling a controversial stance that drew domestic attention.
In her own words, Akhedzhakova expressed shame about some of her compatriots’ reactions, contrasting them with the more restrained responses she perceived from Ukrainians online. She suggested that the tone in public discourse revealed differences in perspective between the two sides.
Some fellow artists have defended Akhedzhakova against harassment stemming from her positions. Actress Alena Yakovleva, during a YouTube program, stated that while Akhedzhakova’s views diverge from her own, it is not appropriate to treat her harshly. Other performers, including Mikhail Shirvindt and Oleg Basilashvili, also weighed in, underscoring a spectrum of professional opinion about the matter.