The conflict at the Chekhov State Theater has been resolved and the actors who accused the former director Constantin Haret of abuse of power have been reinstated. The actors told a press conference on Monday that for five years, while the court proceedings lasted, they were intimidated and harassed at work, and then they were fired without justification. Now they are grateful that justice has been done.
Actor Yuri Andriushchenko is among those who, in 2019, accused Constantin Haret of abuse of power. The National Integrity Authority conducted an investigation and prescribed the director to be dismissed, with a ban on holding public offices for three years. Haret then successfully appealed in court.
As a result, Andriushchenko says, the actors who complained about the director were started being intimidated and were baselessly denied roles and tours. The Anti-Discrimination and Equality Council found that such actions amounted to harassment in the workplace, but its recommendations were not implemented. Moreover, the petitioners were eventually fired.
Recently, the actors were reinstated by court decision. “This victory confirms that the law can protect the rights and interests of people and organizations. We were able to demonstrate that compliance with the law is the foundation of any civilized society”, said Andriushchenko.
