(19 Jul 2010) SHOTLIST
AP Television
Pattaya - 19 July 2010
1. Mid of Mikhail Pletnev, Russian pianist and conductor, posing for photographers in front of court
2. Close of Pletnev
3. Mid of Pletnev walking to court surrounded by photographers
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Mikhail Pletnev, Russian pianist and conductor:
"No. No. This is not true. This is not true."
5. Pletnev followed by throng of reporters
6. Close of Pletnev walking and interviewed by Russian journalist
7. Mid of Pletnev entering the court
8. Mid of Pletnev leaving court, zoom out
9. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Mikhail Pletnev, Russian pianist and conductor:
++TRANSLATION NOT AVAILABLE++
10. Wide of Pletnev leaving court surrounded by the media
11. Mid of Pletnev's statement handed to the media
12. Zoom in on Pletnev's statement, reading: (English) "I say again these allegations are not true."
13. Close of Pletnev's name on statement and date, 19 July 2010
14. SOUNDBITE (English) Mikhail Pletnev, Russian pianist and conductor:
"My message to my fans? Well, I'll try to keep my work and bring them joy of the music."
15. Mid of Pletnev entering car and leaving
STORYLINE
RUSSIAN CONDUCTOR RETURNS TO FACE CHARGES
Acclaimed Russian pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev returned to a Thai court on Monday (19 JULY 2010) to face charges of raping a teenage boy.
Thai authorities had arrested Pletnev on 5 July, but freed him on bail and allowed him to leave the country on the condition he returned following a concert appearance in Europe.
Arriving to court in Pattaya on Monday, Pletnev repeated calls that he was innocent, adding that the charges were the result of a misunderstanding.
"I say again these allegations are not true," his court statement read.
Pletnev was released and allowed to leave Thailand to perform in Europe on a nine-thousand US dollars bail.
The musician could face up to 20 years in jail and a fine of 1,200-thousand US dollars if found guilty.
Thailand has long been known as a haven for sex tourists and paedophiles because of widespread prostitution and lax law enforcement.
Authorities have voiced intentions to crack down on such offences, and Pletnev's arrest is one of the most prominent cases to date.
Police said the musician was detained following a tip from Traipob Boonmasong, a Thai national who was charged with child rape for alleged involvement in a child prostitution ring.
Police said they found photos of Pletnev in compromising situations with boys.
Thai police Lt. Col. Omsin Sukkanka said evidence in the case included a statement from a 14-year-old boy who said Pletnev had raped him twice at Traipob's home, allegations which the musician strongly denies.
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