Bail Extended For Russian Conductor Pletnev

Award-winning Russian pianist/conductor MIKHAIL PLETNEV has had his bail extended by Thai officials as he faces allegations he raped a 14-year-old boy in the country.

The founder of the Russian National Orchestra was arrested by Thai police in the resort town of Pattaya in early July (10) and charged with rape.

He was also hit with another count of appearing in compromising photographs with several other underage boys.

Pletnev was freed on $9,000 (£6,000) bond and granted permission to travel abroad, although he was ordered to report to court officials in Pattaya every 12 days as part of the terms of his release.

A judge extended his bail during a hearing on Friday (30Jul10) to allow prosecutors more time to complete their investigation.

Lieutenant Colonel Omsin Sukkanka says, "We are gathering more evidence and questioning witnesses. I hope that within the next 24 days the investigation and the case will be wrapped up."

Pletnev is expected to return to Thailand for his next court date on 11 August (10). He has denied the charges.

The conductor, who won a Grammy Award in 2005 for an arrangement of Prokofiev's Cinderella, faces up to 20 years in jail and a fine of $1,200 (£800) if convicted.