Russian pianistcomposer Mikhail Pletnev yesterday said the pending child rape case against him was challenge from God.
"I think God has given me this challenge," Pletnev said as he left Pattaya Provincial Court, where he is required to appear every 12 days according to bail conditions. "I feel some spiritual lift from the matter."
Pletnev, one of Russia's most acclaimed musicians and a founder of the Russian National Orchestra, was allowed to leave Thailand on July 7 on condition that he appear regularly at the Pattaya court where he faces charges of raping a 14yearold boy.
Since his arrest, Pletnev, 53, has left Thailand twice, once to attend a concert in Macedonia and last week to attend his mother's birthday party in Moscow.
He has denied guilt and expressed optimism that the case would not come to trial. "I don't think it will happen," Pletnev said, after appearing at court accompanied by a female relative.
Pletnev has asked the press not to speculate about his case, which has earned him instant notoriety.
"I always regarded myself as a modest musician, and in a minute I've become world famous, and for a doubtful reason really," Pletnev said before getting into his car to return home.
Police sources said that one reason the Pattaya District Court agreed to grant Pletnev permission to leave the country was his status as a property holder in the seaside city, which is notorious for its sleazy nightlife and prostitution.
The Russian musician was arrested on July 5 as part of a police and children's rights group's investigation into child abuse. A 14yearold boy, formerly employed by Pletnev, is willing to testify that the composer had abused him, police and childrights workers said.
Police have yet to submit the case to court.
If found guilty of raping a minor, Pletnev faces up to 20 years in jail.