Bolshoi Artistic Director attacked with acid in Moscow

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Bolshoi Ballet’s Artistic Director Sergei Filin suffered severe burns to his face in an acid attack by an unknown assailant in Moscow, a theater spokesperson said on Friday, January 18, according to RIA Novosti.

The attack occurred at around midnight on Thursday, as Filin was approaching his home. A masked assailant threw concentrated acid into his face and fled the scene.

Filin received third-degree burns to his face and eyes, and is being treated at a hospital in Moscow where doctors are fighting to save his sight. It could take at least six months for him to recover, Bolshoi Theatre spokesperson Yekaterina Novikova said. Police are investigating the attack, and have said that, if convicted, the assailant could face up to eight years in jail for inflicting willful damage to health.

The motive for the attack remains unclear. Investigators believe it could be linked to internal theatre politics.

Filin, 43, a former Bolshoi Ballet star, was appointed Bolshoi Ballet artistic director in March 2011 amid fierce rivalry for the position.

The attack came after months of intimidation, during which his car tires were slashed and he received threatening phone calls. Shortly before the attack, his Facebook page suffered a hack attempt.

The Bolshoi Theatre reopened in October 2011 after extensive reconstruction which started in