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Mikhail Pletnev charged with raping boy

by igor.toronyilalicWednesday, 7 July 2010

Mikhail Pletnev is questioned by a Thai police officer in front of the muscian's Pattaya residence

AP

One of the greatest pianists (and latterly conductors) of his generation, founder and artistic director of the Russian National Orchestra, Mikhail Pletnev, has been charged by Thai police with raping a 14-year-old boy, according to the BBC. Police also raided his Thai home in connection with a paedophile ring and found, say prosecutors, several "compromising" photographs with underage boys.

Extraordinary. Echoes of conductor Robert King, who was convicted of sexually assaulting five minors a few years back, who is making his British comeback this year at the Wigmore Hall. Pletnev will no doubt have to withdraw from the Proms - as King did. Will he be allowed to make a comeback? With talk of an alleged paedophile ring, it seems a murkier, more deep-rooted affair than King's and altogether unlikely. And I imagine him being lynched if he ever set foot in Russia again, even if acquitted.

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