RUSSIA/FILE: The Bolshoi Ballet's artistic director, Sergei Filin, is released from hospital following acid attack

Record ID: 863046

  • Title: RUSSIA/FILE: The Bolshoi Ballet's artistic director, Sergei Filin, is released from hospital following acid attack
  • Date: 4th February 2013
  • Summary: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (FILE - MAY 23, 2012) (REUTERS) BOLSHOI BALLET'S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SERGEI FILIN SPEAKING FROM STAGE AT AWARD CEREMONY OF BENOIS DE LA DANCE WORLD BALLET FESTIVAL DANCERS ON STAGE APPLAUDING MOSCOW, RUSSIA (FILE - DECEMBER 18, 2012) (REUTERS) FILIN TALKING TO JOURNALISTS MOSCOW, RUSSIA (FILE - MAY 4, 2012) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF BOLSHOI MAIN HALL INTERIOR
  • Embargoed: 19th February 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Russian Federation
  • City:
  • Country: Russia
  • Topics: Crime,Arts,People
  • Reuters ID: LVABPH2ZUAL8EFIE5II8SL961BK4
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: The artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet, Sergei Filin, was released from a hospital in Moscow on Monday morning (February 4) after a masked assailant splashed acid over his face threatening his eyesight.
    42 year-old Filin underwent at least four eye operations and other surgery to his following the attack, which took place as he returned home from the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow late on January 17.
    Speaking to journalists before leaving the hospital to continue treatments at a clinic in Germany, Filin said that he was feeling well.
    "I feel well, I'd even say great, if only my eyes could see a bit better. But I can say I feel well. My body is full of energy and force, hands and legs are perfectly healthy. I am full of will and desires, I have energy in me, so all is well," Filin said.
    "I am in touch with the theatre every day. And my spokeswoman can confirm that the theatre asks about my well-being whenever possible. We keep good contact, so nothing (at the theatre) is cancelled, the work goes on," added Filin.
    Earlier on Sunday (February 3) Filin was quoted as saying he knew who was behind an attack. He did not give any names but made clear he linked the case to his job.
    "I not only have a suspicion about who did this, but I'm absolutely certain I know who did this. But I will only speak about this when investigators are ready to announce this," the 42-year-old told the BBC in an interview published on Sunday.
    Filin had been one of the most talked about figures in Russia as head of the ballet for nearly two years when he was attacked.
    He said the attack followed repeated threats and may have been motivated by rivalry or resentment. Filin's job gave him power to make or break careers at the theatre known for its rivalry and intrigue.
    Russia's top eye doctor told Reuters on Jan. 24 that Filin would retain at least some vision in each eye.
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