Ukrainian Activists Win Landmark Court Case in Germany Against Conductor Defending Pro-Putin Singer Anna Netrebko

In a significant legal victory for Ukraine’s civil society abroad, two activists Kateryna Plaksyi and Dmytro Pyvovarov have successfully defended themselves in a German court against conductor Michael Güttler, a vocal supporter of Russian opera star Anna Netrebko.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Suspilne.

The dispute stems from ongoing protests in Germany organized by the “No Netrebko” movement, which aims to oppose the performances of Netrebko, a longtime supporter of Vladimir Putin and donor to separatist-held Donetsk, in European venues. In response to these protests, Michael Güttler, who spent over a decade working at Russia’s Mariinsky Theatre and once served as assistant to Putin’s ally Valery Gergiev, launched a series of civil lawsuits targeting Ukrainian activists, including Plaksyi.

Plaksyi’s case focused on a Facebook comment that Güttler claimed was defamatory. Activists argued the lawsuits constituted SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), aimed at silencing criticism and intimidating civic voices.

Initially, the court ruled in favor of the conductor. However, the activists appealed, and as the legal battle gained attention, they spoke publicly to Ukrainian media. Despite Güttler’s public denial that an appeal had been filed, court records confirmed he had been officially informed of the process.

In a decisive turn, the court sided with the Ukrainian activists on appeal. It ordered Michael Güttler to cease spreading false claims about Plaksyi, under threat of financial penalties. A countersuit filed by the activists for defamation also resulted in a ruling in their favor.

“This legal win sends a strong message: Ukrainians will not be silenced, and those defending the Kremlin’s cultural influence in Europe will be held accountable,” Plaksyi said after the verdict.

The case has resonated deeply with the Ukrainian diaspora in Germany. Dozens traveled across the country to attend the court hearings in support of the activists. Despite the court ruling, Güttler is reportedly attempting to refile his claims in a different legal format, and another trial related to his public statements is still underway.

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