Russian pianist Mikhail Pletnev, accused of sexually abusing a child in Thailand and released on bail, is to appear in a Thai court on Sunday, RIA Novosti reported.
A court in the tourist city of Pattaya allowed the pianist to leave the country last week to accompany the orchestra on its European tour. Now the judge should decide on whether it should allow the 53-year-old Russian pianist to leave the country for another 12-day period or take him into custody.
The Russian 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.
The majority of Thai courts are closed on Sundays, and Grammy-winning musician may have to wait until Monday to appear in the court.
A Russian National Orchestra spokeswoman said on Saturday that Pletnev has already returned to Thailand.
The acclaimed Russian pianist is expected to join up with his orchestra in August after court hearings in Thailand, but concerts in the U.S. would go ahead without Pletnev.