A Thai court extended on Friday release on bail for Russian Grammy-winning pianist Mikhail Pletnev, who was recently accused of child sex abuse in Thailand.
Pletnev, 53, has been accused of sodomizing a 14-year-old boy. If convicted, he may face up to 20 years behind bars. Pletnev denies all charges against him.
Thai authorities arrested Pletnev on July 5, but freed him on bail and allowed him to leave the country two times on condition that he returned following scheduled concert appearances in Europe. The musician returned to Thailand both times as the court stipulated.
Thai police investigators told RIA Novosti that charges against Pletnev were based on accounts provided by the boy's relatives. During a search at Pletnev's residence in Pattaya they had found no evidence of Pletnev's involvement in child pornography.
The Russian musician will have to appear in court for another round of hearings on August 11.
PATTAYA (Thailand), July 30 (RIA Novosti)
