Director Kirill Serebrennikov in Court

Aug 23, 2017 - 05:18 pm

Russian theater and film director Kirill Serebrennikov was driven from St. Petersburg overnight and escorted into the court in Moscow, Aug. 23, 2017. Kardashov Anton / Moskva News Agency

He asked the judge not to place him under house arrest, saying it would mean he would no longer be able to work. He added that he was not a flight risk since his passport had already been confiscated. Stanislav Krasilnikov / TASS

A large crowd gathered in front of the Basmanny District Court, with some chanting, "Freedom!" Stanislav Krasilnikov / TASS

The court put Serebrennikov under house arrest until Oct. 19, 2017. Kardashov Anton / Moskva News Agency

Journalists, friends, and well-wishers reporting the news as it happens outside the court house. Aug. 23, 2017. Stanislav Krasilnikov / TASS

Kirill Serebrennikov leaving the Basmanny District Court after his hearing. Aug. 23, 2017. Kardashov Anton / Moskva News Agency

Theater and film director Kirill Serebrennikov is accused of embezzling 68 million rubles ($1.1 million) of government funds that were earmarked for a production at his theater. He denies all the accusations. After being arrested during the night in St. Petersburg, he was driven to Moscow for his first day in court.

Director Kirill Serebrennikov in Court

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