Turkish ruling on Razin's rights to 28 Laskovy May songs faces appeal

Representatives of the rights holders recognised by Russian courts have appealed a Turkish ruling establishing Andrei Razin's rights to 28 Laskovy May songs, TASS reported, citing court documents and parties to the dispute.

According to the agency, the Serik civil court rejected businessman Nikolai Korzhikov's claim and recognised Razin as the composer, lyricist and rights holder for the disputed works. The songs include Leto, Rozovy Vecher, Belye Rozy and Sedaya Noch. Razin holds Turkish citizenship.

Russian courts had previously ruled against the producer in disputes over those rights. Representatives of the rights holders told TASS they had appealed the Turkish decision to the regional court in Antalya. RBC sought comment from Razin's representatives and sent an inquiry to the court.

Sergei Kuznetsov founded Laskovy May in Orenburg in 1986. Belye Rozy, performed by Yuri Shatunov, became the group's breakthrough song. The band broke up in 1992 at Razin's initiative. Shatunov attributed the split to disagreements over revenue, later moved to Germany and won 10 million rubles from the producer in court.

Shatunov died in June 2022 aged 49, with Kuznetsov dying shortly afterwards. Razin was placed on an international wanted list in November last year. Investigators allege that he collected payments using a forged contract with Kuznetsov.