Russian pianist Mikhail Pletnev, accused of sexually abusing a child in Thailand and released on a bail has returned to the Asian country for court hearings, a Russian National Orchestra spokeswoman said Saturday, RIA Novosti reported.
A Thai court allowed Pletnev, 53, to leave the country last week to accompany the orchestra on its European tour. He must appear in court in Thailand on July 18.
"As far as I know he is already in Thailand," Svetlana Chaplygina said.
The Grammy-winning musician has been charged with raping a 14-year-old boy. If convicted, he may face up to 20 years behind bars.
Pletnev denies all charges against him.
Chaplygina said Wednesday that the acclaimed Russian pianist would join up with his orchestra in August after court hearings in Thailand, adding that concerts in the U.S. would go ahead without Pletnev.