Bolshoi Artistic Director attacked with acid in MoscowJanuary 18, 2013 - 11:55 AMT 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 Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |