Singer Valery Meladze will not be deprived of the title of People's Artist of Chechnya for saying "Glory to the Heroes" in response to "Glory to Ukraine."
The event in question took place in December at a corporate party in Dubai. During the performance, a viewer turned to Meladze, who told him: “Glory to Ukraine!” In response, Meladze removed the microphone and replied: “Glory to the heroes!” A video of the moment was posted on social media. The Ministry of Culture of Chechnya told the Rise newspaper that Meladze has the right to speak out "against the war."
“The Chechen Republic stands for the integrity of Russia, against international terrorism, for stability, for the policy of the country's leadership, and so far such moments have not been touched by him. The fact that Meladze spoke out against the war – he has the right. There is no mention of the president or the Chechen Republic in his speech, which takes an active part in restoring constitutional order on the territory of Ukraine. We all oppose war, we all want everyone to live in peace and harmony. The question of depriving him of the title of people's artist is not yet worth it, ”the Chechen Ministry of Culture quotes the“ Rise ”answer.
Meladze received the title of People's Artist of Chechnya in 2008. On February 24, the singer, who was born in Nikolaev, spoke out against the war:
“Today something happened that could not and should never have happened. History will someday judge and put everything in its place. Well, today I want to ask you, I beg you: stop hostilities and sit down at the negotiating table. People should be able to negotiate, for this we were given a language, for this we were given all the abilities. People shouldn't die, this should stop."