Lawyer talks about risks for holding Pugacheva's concert in Russia

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MOSCOW, August 6 Formally, singer Alla Pugacheva can perform in Russia with a concert, but there are a number of risks for the event that the organizers may face, the manager said partner of the company «Rusyaev and Partners» lawyer Ilya Rusyaev.
«Although the artist is not formally deprived of the right to perform in the country, there are several legal aspects that could complicate the organization and holding of such an event,» the lawyer notes.

According to Rusyaev, the status of «foreign agent» of her husband, showman Maxim Galkin*, could be the first thing that could complicate Pugacheva's performance in Russia. Although the singer herself does not have such a status, her close connection with a person recognized as a foreign agent could cause increased attention from law enforcement agencies. According to Russian legislation on foreign agents, any activity related to persons with this status is subject to special control.

«Pugacheva's public statements made abroad may be regarded as contrary to the interests of the state. In this case, the concert organizers risk facing accusations of aiding the dissemination of «false information» or «discrediting,» the lawyer adds.
Local authorities may also decide to cancel the concert, citing public safety concerns or potential public order violations, Rusyaev said. The singer and her representatives have the right to appeal this decision in court, but the trial could drag on, he added.

«Opponents of the concert may use the mechanism of public hearings or petitions to put pressure on local authorities. The legislation on local self-government provides for the possibility of taking into account the opinion of citizens when making decisions on holding mass events,» Rusyaev notes.

In addition, the prosecutor's office may initiate the procedure for banning the event if it finds violations in the organization of the concert. Even if the concert is approved, the regulatory authorities will monitor the event. Any violation of the rules for holding mass events, even a minor one, may serve as grounds for its termination directly during the event, the lawyer concluded.

* An individual performing the functions of a foreign agent in Russia