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Kremlin spokesman hails Nureyev ballet, tight-lipped over Serebrennikov case

The ballet is based on the life of legendary Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov congratulated all persons involved in creating the Nureyev ballet on its success, but remained tight-lipped over charges laid against one of its creators, Kirill Serebrennikov.

In an interview to the Rossiya 24 TV channel, the Kremlin spokesman said he visited the ballet’s premiere over the weekend.

"The ballet is really good, I enjoyed it. Some of my colleagues did not like it, but that’s quite normal. What really matters it that it [the ballet] did not leave anyone unmoved," the spokesman said. "I can only congratulate all participants and the Bolshoi Theatre on this show."

He said he noticed people wearing T-shirts in support of scene designer Kirill Serebrennikov, who has been charged with fraud and is currently under house arrest.

"Let’s recall what the president had said: this is not about any kind of pressure, this is not about any kind of censorship, this is about accusations that have a certain basis, [and are supported by] unequivocal testimonies about misuse of state funds," he said.

He added that "making comments of any kind about the ongoing investigation" would be "absolutely incorrect."

"Only a court can find him guilty," Peskov added.