Russian rock critic faces four separate libel cases

by   |  05.18.11  |  Europe, Libel

The dangers of satire

Leading Russian music critic Art Troitsky, 55, goes on trial tomorrow in criminal proceedings brought by rock star Vadim Samoylov. The Russian singer and guitarist filed two defamation lawsuits, one civil and one criminal, four months after Troitsky criticised him in television documentary exploring the links between the music world and the Kremlin. Not content with potentially putting Troitsky in prison, in the civil case Samoulav is asking for a million roubles in damages.