Nine years in labor camp sought for Bolshoi dancer in acid attack

Prosecutors in the case of a Bolshoi Ballet dancer accused of masterminding an acid attack on the company’s artistic director want the defendant to serve nine years in a labor camp. A verdict in the Moscow court case is expected on Tuesday.

Pavel Dmitrichenko has pleaded not guilty to ordering the January attack on artistic director Sergei Filin, who suffered severe facial burns and damage to his eyes. The attack was allegedly carried out by Yury Zarutsky, who is facing a possible sentence of 10 years, according to reports.

Lawyers for the prosecution are reportedly seeking six years for the suspected driver in the assault, Andrei Lipatov.

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The lurid case has exposed a culture of infighting and corruption in the Bolshoi, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world.

Prosecutors said Dmitrichenko was motivated by professional frustration regarding his career and that of his girlfriend, Anzhelina Vorontsova.

Filin, 43, has undergone more than 20 operations to repair his eyesight. He returned to the Bolshoi in September but still requires medical attention to fully restore his vision.

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