A Russian pianist who has been accused of sodomizing an underage boy in Thailand, has severed all communication with the media.
Mikhail Pletnev, who is the conductor for the Russian National Orchestra, made his statement after the orchestra's press service had come under a storm of requests to set up an interview with the pianist.
"Since I haven't yet managed to master the role of a global villain, which the media have recently assigned me, any further public statements are premature," he said.
Pletnev has been charged with sodomizing a 14-year-old boy. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years behind bars. Pletnev denies all charges against him.
The Thai authorities arrested Pletnev on July 5, but freed him on bail and allowed him to leave the country on condition that he returned following a scheduled concert appearance in Europe. The musician returned to Thailand on July 18 as the court stipulated.
MOSCOW, August 6 (RIA Novosti)
