Drapeko stated that she did not propose to deprive the departed artists of the titles

The State Duma has nothing to do with these awards.

Today, the media actively discussed information that the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Culture, Elena Drapeko, allegedly proposed to deprive artists who left Russia of the titles not only at the regional level, but also at the federal level – by decree of the president. There has been a lot of noise around this topic. However, this is what Drapeko told the MK correspondent:

– I did not put forward such an initiative. I don’t know where and who said this, because we haven’t had any meetings in the State Duma since the New Year. Someone, most likely, gave an interview, some deputy chairman of some committee. Yes, I was asked to comment on this initiative. I replied that since the State Duma does not award titles to artists, this is not our path at all. The title is awarded by the awards commission, which works under the administration of the President of the Russian Federation. So far we have not had such a practice, therefore, if such a question arises, it is necessary to consult with the Legislation Committee of the State Duma, whether a legislative norm on this matter is needed at all or not. I think it’s not needed. A decree on awards can also deprive these awards. But once again I clarify – the State Duma has nothing to do with the awards of artists. It is up to a special commission under the President of the Russian Federation for state awards to decide who should be deprived of their titles and who should not. But if President Vladimir Putin decides that Maxim Galkin (recognized as a foreign agent in the Russian Federation) and Artur Smolyaninov should be deprived of their titles and awards, then I will fully support this!