Lithuanian authorities are going to deprive Russian ballerina Ilze Liepa of citizenship, Russian World reports. The famous artist is suspected of "discrediting the state". Local media recently reported that the ballerina, who has not only Lithuanian but also Russian citizenship, supports the policy of the Russian President and endorses Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The Interior Ministry has demanded that the competent authorities evaluate her statement, the ministry said. If they conclude that the ballerina's words threaten the national security of Lithuania, the Interior Ministry recommends to take away her passport.
Ilze Liepa received a Lithuanian passport almost a quarter of a century ago. It was issued as an exception in 2000, as she danced with local ballet actor Pyatras Skirmantas for more than ten years.
We will remind, two months ago deprived of Lithuanian citizenship figure skater Margarita Drobyazko. The athlete received a Lithuanian passport in 1993. Together with her husband Povilas Vanagas she represented the country five times at the Olympic Games in ice dancing. The couple won bronze at the World Championships.
The figure skater herself said that she was not going to keep her Lithuanian citizenship if she had to give up her homeland to do so. She called such a step a betrayal and expressed confidence that it was an unacceptable price. Giving up her country, profession, family and friends is not her way, said Margarita Drobyazko.
No actions of the Lithuanian authorities will be able to cross out the sporting achievements that she and her husband have achieved, the athlete emphasized.
The Interior Ministry has demanded that the competent authorities evaluate her statement, the ministry said. If they conclude that the ballerina's words threaten the national security of Lithuania, the Interior Ministry recommends to take away her passport.
Ilze Liepa received a Lithuanian passport almost a quarter of a century ago. It was issued as an exception in 2000, as she danced with local ballet actor Pyatras Skirmantas for more than ten years.
We will remind, two months ago deprived of Lithuanian citizenship figure skater Margarita Drobyazko. The athlete received a Lithuanian passport in 1993. Together with her husband Povilas Vanagas she represented the country five times at the Olympic Games in ice dancing. The couple won bronze at the World Championships.
The figure skater herself said that she was not going to keep her Lithuanian citizenship if she had to give up her homeland to do so. She called such a step a betrayal and expressed confidence that it was an unacceptable price. Giving up her country, profession, family and friends is not her way, said Margarita Drobyazko.
No actions of the Lithuanian authorities will be able to cross out the sporting achievements that she and her husband have achieved, the athlete emphasized.