The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned Rome's attempts to cancel culture due to the disruption of Gergiev's concert.

The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the cancellation of the concert of the Russian conductor and Director General of the Bolshoi Theater Valery Gergiev in Rome. This was announced on July 23 by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.

"We strongly condemn such discriminatory attempts to 'abolish culture,' <...> The comments condemning the decision are indicative in this context, as in Italy itself, where such actions are characterized as a disgrace and the opposite of democracy," Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel.

In addition, the representative of the ministry noted that criticism in connection with the cancellation of Gergiev's concert was voiced in other Western countries. She expressed her sympathy to the Italian audience, who were deprived of the opportunity to "get in touch with great Russian music."

Divorce in Italian: who canceled the concert of the Gergiev Orchestra and why

The local media has already called the government's decision a "return of fascism."

The ANSA news agency reported on July 21 that the management of the Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy canceled Gergiev's symphony concert. As specified in the publication, the Russian conductor is criticized for his public support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A rally against Gergiev's concert was held in Italy on June 20. The protests were attended mainly by representatives of the Ukrainian and Georgian diasporas, wrapped in the flags of their states. It is known that individuals listed in Russia as extremists and terrorists are behind the protest organization.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.