The Moscow Community Center (a space for the LGBT community) reported threats to the E center on the eve of the 4th Open Art Festival, which will be held from January 28 to 30.
“Today, during preparations for the festival, the site was visited by law enforcement officers, including the FSB, and strongly recommended not to hold the festival. To the question of the organizers of the festival, for what reason we cannot hold it, they answered: “You will have problems, we promise you,” said representatives of the center.
In a conversation with The Insider, festival organizer Olga Baranova noted that the event would take place anyway: “I told him: ‘How do you imagine it? Our guests are foreign, our authors. What are we going to just close now?“. He says: “Well, it will be better for everyone. Otherwise, there will be checks now, it will be worse for everyone.” I said that we will hold the festival.”
“This is a place where anyone can express themselves through art, regardless of religion, outlook on life, social boundaries and prejudice. The festival will feature unique works of art, installations and performances,” the MCC announced in its announcement.