The Russian government is aware that a Moscow nightclub has held an event entitled "Putin Party. I want the Prime Minister," but is against the club's use of Putin's name, the prime minister's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said on Monday.
Peskov said last week that the government would seek legal advice on the possible illegal use of Putin's name.
"It is important for us that no one uses the premier's name for commercial goals without his permission," Peskov told RIA Novosti.
According to the PR director of Rai (Paradise) Nightclub, Artyem Shatrov, no one from the government had contacted the club's press office and the event was held as planned on Sunday night. He said the use of Putin's name was not used for advertisement purposes.
Peskov said last week the prime minister's office would hold consultations with lawyers over the club's plans. He said government officials were aware that the event was held, but so far do not have the full details and cannot say if there was any commercial benefit made by using Putin's name.
Peskov said lawyers will help establish if the name of the planned party affects the image of the Russian prime minister. He said the organizers of the event had not received permission from Putin to use his name and image in the advertisement, as Russian law requires
"We just wanted to entertain the public," a club spokesman said.
On the club's website, the announcement for the party portrays a fake election result in which the "prime minister" was chosen over Hollywood star Bruce Willis, popular Russian rap singer Timati, football player David Beckham, and revolutionary Che Guevara.
"We wanted to stress that we are choosing the prime minister above everyone," a club spokeswoman, who identified herself as Maria, said on March 1.
MOSCOW, March 7 (RIA Novosti)
