Snitch instigates criminal case against state-honored film and theater star Liya Akhedzhakova

Vitaly Borodin, head of the Federal Security and Anti-Corruption Project and lately an author of frequent denunciations, is asking Russia’s Prosecutor General to launch a criminal case against Liya Akhedzhakova, the 84-year-old state-honored actress known as an icon of Soviet and Russian cinema.

Borodin’s complaint was published by Ksenia Sobchak’s Telegram channel Krovavaya Barynya (“Bloody Lady”). In his denunciation of Akhedzhakova, Borodin recycled the same formulations he used when denouncing the rock singer Diana Arbenina earlier this month.

According to Borodin, Akhedzhakova has criticized “the state organs’ and the president’s decisions and policies with regard to the special military operation conducted by Russia in Ukraine.” He also suggests that the actress might be making financial contributions to the Ukrainian military. Akhedzhakova herself has previously denied allegations to that effect.

Borodin argues that the popular actress’s political statements constitute treason, discrediting the armed forces, and hate speech. He recommends designating Akhedzhakova a “foreign agent” and stripping her of state awards and of her honorary title of People’s Artist.

Liya Akhedzhakova retired from Moscow’s Sovremennik theater after “The Gin Game,” written by D. L. Coburn and starring Akhedzhakova in what would be her final role, was abruptly canceled by the theater management. She has since received more than 15,000 fan letters of sympathy and support.