Volodin: Poklonskaya cannot be accused of inciting protests against Matilda without an “evidence base”

Speaker of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin doubted the evidence of a direct connection between the threats and attacks of radical Orthodox activists and the position of deputy Natalya Poklonskaya on the film “Matilda” by Alexei Uchitel, reports . Interfax

Answering a corresponding question from the agency, Volodin said that assessments can only be made if there is an “evidence base.” “And assume that this is a very serious charge,” he added. “You can’t do that—take and bring charges against someone.”

Today, Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky condemned Poklonskaya’s position and the speeches of radical opponents of “Matilda”. “I don’t know what considerations the respected Mrs. Poklonskaya is guided by in starting and supporting this hubbub. Maybe from the heart. Moreover, I am not ready to unravel the motivations of various “activists” and arsonists who brazenly call themselves “Orthodox,” says the minister’s commentary published on the department’s website.

Medinsky also called those sending threats to cinemas and organizing attacks “frenzied sectarian arsonists.”

In a conversation with Interfax, Volodin said that “it is incorrect to comment on Medinsky’s statements, he has a position, he expressed it,” and Poklonskaya has the right to express her point of view.

State Duma deputy and former Crimean prosecutor Natalya Poklonskaya actively opposes the release of the film “Matilda,” which tells the story of the relationship between Nicholas II and the ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya. Radical Orthodox activists also speak out against the film, sending threatening letters to cinemas - on September 12, the joint cinema chain Cinema Park and Formula Kino refused to show Matilda.

near the office of director Uchitel’s lawyer Konstantin Dobrynin were burned On September 11 , two cars , and in early September, an opponent of “Matilda” rammed the doors of the Yekaterinburg cinema in an UAZ with gas cylinders and set the car on fire; Teacher's St. Petersburg studio was bombarded with Molotov cocktails.