Russian foreign minister angry at alleged vote theft at Eurovision Song Contest
MOSCOW – Russia’s point man on Syria and on its relations with the U.S. is turning his attention toward a subject close to Russian hearts — alleged vote theft at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was meeting Tuesday with his counterpart from Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic which is investigating why the country’s announced votes did not give any points to Russia.
Azerbaijan’s foreign minister, Elmar Mammadyarov, said the country’s mobile phone operators reported that Russia’s Dina Garipova came second in the local vote, which would have given her 10 points.
Lavrov called it an “outrageous incident.” Russians take Eurovision very seriously.
Garipova finished fifth overall on Saturday, 17 points behind fourth-placed Norway.
Azerbaijani television is investigating. It was unclear where any mistake or vote manipulation might have occurred.
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