CISAC refuses to stop doing business with Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine unilaterally

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Many in the songwriting, music publishing, and especially the performing-rights industries have looked to CISAC, the global confederation of writers societies such as ASCAP and PRS, to make a unilateral decision as Russia’s savage invasion of Ukraine proceeds.

However, the organization announced on Monday that, while it “deplores and condemns the war waged by the Russian government against the Ukrainian population,” it will leave such decisions to individual societies while continuing to work on a relief fund for Ukraine, which was first announced on Wednesday.

“While abhorring the activities of the Russian military forces, CISAC is not authorized to impose sanctions on member societies solely based on their government’s actions,” the statement states. “Russian authors, like their equivalents everywhere, cannot be held responsible for their government’s heinous conduct.”

The statement states, “CISAC’s global network of author societies deplores and condemns the Russian government’s attack on the Ukrainian people.” “Our entire community is trying to assist our fellow Ukrainian creators and colleagues, as well as to provide assistance to war victims.” CISAC launched the global aid campaign Creators for Ukraine on March 9th. This is led by a fund dedicated to assisting creators and refugees, as well as ensuring the continued operation of Ukraine’s author societies. Another project, Songs for Ukraine, attempts to promote Ukrainian repertoire on broadcast and digital platforms in order to boost revenues for Ukraine’s decimated creative community.”

CISAC is committed to assisting Ukrainian innovators and exerting whatever pressure it can to prevent Russia’s horrific invasion of Ukraine. This is an inexcusable attack on the innocent, as well as an attack on culture and innovators around the world, especially in Russia. Russian authors, like their counterparts everywhere, cannot be held responsible for their government’s heinous crimes.

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