Russian singer arrested for burning ID to protest war writes apology and repentance letter to Orthodox Patriarch Kirill

Russian singer Eduard Sharlot, known simply as Sharlot, who is currently in pre-trial detention on multiple charges, has written a letter of apology and repentance to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, his father told RBC.

Sharlot was charged with “rehabilitating Nazism,” “insulting believers’ feelings, and “damaging an official document” over videos posted on his Instagram, including one in which he burned his Russian ID and said he was against the war and one in which nailed his military ID and a photo of Patriarch Kirill to a crucifix.

“My son realized his guilt, having acknowledged that his actions were a mistake, and he expressed deep apologies to the Patriarch, especially given his faith,” Sharlot’s father said. He added that the letter had been sent before New Year’s, but they have yet to receive a response.

In the letter, Sharlot wrote that he is ready to atone for his actions and is “actively writing patriotic works” which he is “ready to perform,” reported the Telegram channel Baza.

On January 10, the court rejected an appeal by the singer’s lawyers, leaving him in custody at the pre-trial detention center.