Russian conductor backs Putin regime's action in Ukraine
London - 11 May 2014
The Russian conductor Valery Gergiev's concert in Trafalgar Square tonight (Sunday 11 May 2014) was disrupted by 30 pro-Ukrainian demonstrators and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. They were protesting against Gergiev's support for the Putin regime and for Russia's interference in Ukraine.
Waving Ukrainian flags and holding a huge banner 'Gergiev Supports War in Ukraine', they booed Gergiev as he walked on stage to conduct Prokofiev with the London Symphony Orchestra. They then pointed at Gergiev and chanted "Shame on you".
Some of the protesters shouted: "Gergiev supports Putin. Freedom for Ukraine."
They were angry that the London Symphony Orchestra is willing to work with and fund Gergiev, given that he has supported Russia's invasion of Crimea and backed Putin's anti-gay legislation.
The protest took place shortly before 7pm on Sunday night and lasted about 4 minutes, before the protesters were manhandled out of Trafalgar Square by security staff.
