“Elena Ivanovskaya noted that the linguistic Ombudsman has a mandate to exercise the use of state language during public events, but has no authority to restrict or prohibit the performance of works in other languages in other languages”, – WRITE: www.radiosvoboda.org
“According to the law, the language of cultural measures in Ukraine is the state language (Article 23). However, the law does not exclude the possibility of using other languages in the performance of works of art – in particular songs – provided that it does not contradict other legislative standards. That is, the performance of songs in Russian in public space as such is not a violation of the law on state language, ”she explained, noting that Article 15 of the Law of Ukraine“ On Culture ”is limited to the reproduction of musical works of Russian artists, but it is not about the language of performance.
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According to her, the commissioner for the protection of the state language must control the use of the state language during public events, but is not empowered to restrict or prohibit the performance of works in other languages.
“At the same time, it is important to understand that legal admissibility does not mean cultural and public acceptability. And social legitimacy during the war is of particular importance. Public implementation of the Russian -language repertoire today causes a categorical rejection in the vast majority of citizens, and this is undoubtedly, ”Ivanovskaya said.
She also reminded that in a number of cities of Ukraine, in particular in Kyiv and Ternopil, in response to a public request, decisions were made to limit public use of Russian -speaking cultural product at the local level, but no sanctions are provided.
According to her, Ukrainian society clearly demonstrates “its moral choice in favor of Ukrainian as a language of resistance, strength and future, the task of the state – to create clear, legitimate and effective legal instruments for this purpose.”
From time to time, social networks are discussed public performance of Russian -speaking songs in public space during a full -scale invasion of the Russian Federation, some people are outraged.
For example, in January, several videos were spread on social networks, where young men interfere with traffic in the center of Kiev, throw dollar bills from the car to Khreshchatyk Street and sing the song “I am Russian”.
On social networks, the young people listened to Russian music, demonstrated weapons, feet on the flag of Ukraine and took a number of other provocative actions.
The police have launched criminal proceedings under Article 338 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – the abuse of state symbols.