A quick guide to Kwanzaa
The holiday, which serves as a nationwide communal event reinforcing self-determination and unity in the face of oppression, spans seven…
FILE PHOTO: Crimean Tatar singer Susana Jamaladinova (2nd L), known as Jamala, and Ukrainian singer Ruslana Lyzhychko (2nd R) attend the draw for the semi-finals of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev, Ukraine January 31, 2017. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich/File Photo
Russia booted from Eurovision Song Contest over Ukraine
LONDON (AP) — The European Broadcasting Union says that Russia will not be allowed an entry in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
The union said in a statement Friday that given the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry would bring the competition into "disrepute."
"The EBU is an apolitical member organization of broadcasters committed to upholding the values of public service," the union said on Twitter. "We remain dedicated to protecting the values of a cultural competition which promotes international exchange and understanding, brings audiences together, celebrates diversity through music and unites Europe on one stage."
This year's finale is being held in Turin, Italy, on May 14.
Russia has not yet announced an entrant for the splashy contest.
Ukraine will be represented by Kalush Orchestra, which organizers describe as a "hip-hop band with a fondness for folk."
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