The Language Ombudswoman issued five reports on violations at the Odesa Regional Drama Theater

<span><span><span><span><span><span>Five reports of administrative violations of language legislation were filed against the Odesa Regional Drama Theater. This was based on a complaint accompanied by audio recordings of a meeting of the theater’s Artistic Council and meetings with its management, during which the use of a non-state language was documented.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>This was reported by the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>During the review of the submitted materials, it was determined that the audio recordings contained not only evidence of a possible violation of language legislation but also statements that may require a separate legal assessment. Accordingly, the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Olena Ivanovska, forwarded the materials to the Security Service of Ukraine.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>The Commissioner reported that, as part of her official oversight duties, she had twice contacted the theater demanding explanations and the materials necessary to conduct an investigation. However, the institution refused to provide the requested information. At the same time, during the review of the materials, members of the Artistic Council justified the use of the Russian language by claiming that the applicant had allegedly requested it. However, the complainant denied this. The Commissioner noted that the law does not provide for the possibility of switching to a non-state language during sessions, meetings, or other work-related communication at a public institution at the request of another person.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>A complaint regarding a violation of language legislation at the Odesa Regional Drama Theater was filed following public outcry over the cancellation of a student production of Mykola Kulish’s play “Mina Mazailo.” </span></span></span></span></span></span>

Recently, following the scandal involving Russian-language songs at the Passage, the language issue has flared up again in Odesa. CityCouncilmember Olga Kvasnytska initiateda draft resolution in the city council to ban the use of the Russian language in public spaces. The issue was to be considered at a city council session, which did not take place.

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Юлія Калабайда