The Audit Chamber says it is looking into the Bolshoi Theater, a probe that comes amid allegations of mismanagement and corruption at the famed institution.
The chamber said Thursday that the investigation had been planned in advance and isn't linked to the accusations of financial abuse raised by a dancer who was arrested earlier this month on charges of staging an acid attack on Bolshoi Ballet artistic director Sergei Filin.
But Izvestia said the auditors were specifically looking at Filin's spending decisions, in particular those concerning the distribution of grants between dancers.
Bolshoi soloist Pavel Dmitrichenko has said he accepted an acquaintance's offer to beat Filin up over alleged favoritism and corruption, but did not expect the man to splash acid in his face.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
