MOSCOW, December 15 /TASS/. Russia has no censorship but the state is not obliged to finance opposition cultural projects, Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky said in a live interview aired by the Rossiya 24 state-run television channel on Monday.

“The most important thing is that there is no censorship in Russia. Everybody is free to say what he or she wants without any persecution. This year has seen plenty of examples that any position expressed in the media, publicly, outspokenly or brightly, call it as you wish, is regarded as a sacred right to creative work if that is done in full compliance with the law,” the Russian culture minister said.

Medinsky said he recognized the talent of opposition cultural figures but was convinced that the state should not finance their projects.

“I genuinely recognize and admire the talent of many opposition cultural figures. But we are not going to finance their works which criticize the voters’ choice strongly and unethically,” the Russian culture minister said.