Can art be completely separate from politics? Where is the boundary between freedom of speech and national security? Latvia prohibits Goran Bregović from entering this country. Reason? “A threat to national security.”
The Latvian authorities took decisive steps before the summertime performance season: a well-known Serbian musician Goran Bregović and a Russian vocalist Kristinie Orbakaite the entry into the country has been prohibited. Orbakaite is simply a Russian vocalist and actress. Daughter of Lithuanian circus artist Mykolas Orbakas and Russian vocalist Pugaczowa ala. The decision was taken on the basis of an assessment by the Latvian State safety Service and signed by the Minister of the Interior Rihards Kozlovskis.
This information was provided by Latvian Radio (LSM), and the reactions to this news have already begun to spread on social and regional media. The authoritative explanation states that the actions of Bregovicia and Orbakaite ‘does not correspond to the interests of Latvia's national security’. More specifically, as stated in the statement, there is simply a concern that their presence and performances can contribute to "an increase in interethnic tensions in Latvian society". Behind this formula, as Latvians say, there is simply a bigger problem: artists had already performed in the Crimean Republic, after 2014.
The context is crucial.
Latvia, as a associate of the EU and NATO, represents a common political position on Crimean position and support for Ukraine. Any public performance of a abroad artist in this area, which is not organized with Kiev's permission, is considered politically problematic. In the case of Bregovicia and Orbakaite, regardless of their musical events, the safety Service considered that their presence could undermine social stability.
Rihards Kozlovskis was direct: “The main charge concerns public conduct, which is interpreted as supporting actions contrary to the interests of Ukraine. Latvia supports Ukraine and considers this to be absolutely unacceptable."
Interestingly, artists had already scheduled appearances in Latvia during the summer, and tickets were already on sale. The organizers were now without major performers and the audience – without announced concerts.
This prohibition besides raises additional questions. Can art be completely separate from politics? Where is the boundary between freedom of speech and national security? Bregović and Orbakaite are not the first persons banned, but their case reopens the debate on the boundaries of artistic activity in the context of global tensions.
So is there a presence Juwal Rafael Israel's representatives at the Eurovision Song competition 2025 in Basel, will not represent an increase in interethnic tensions, will not disturb social stableness in Switzerland ?
In Poland, fortunately, no 1 has come up with specified an idiotic thought and Bregovic will play with us. Goran Bregović will execute at Polsat Hit Festival together with Kayah. Their performance together, as well as Kayah's jubilee performance (Kayah – 30 years as a stone), will be held on 23-25 May. The event will be broadcast live in Polsata.
Jacek Mędrzycki.
