Organizers in Italy say a concert by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev has been canceled after protests against giving the stage to a conductor who hasn't condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The organisers of a music festival in Italy have cancelled a concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev after days of criticism from Kremlin critics and human rights campaigners.

Some lawmakers in Italy had argued that Valery Gergiev’s planned appearance sent the wrong message as Europe strives to remain united in its support for Ukraine.