Lithuanian opera singer apologizes for concert in Minsk, vows to explain everything

VILNIUS - Lithuanian opera singer Vaidas Vysniauskas has apologized after his performance in Minsk caused public outrage, and he vows to explain the reasons for his decision to go to Minsk later.

"First of all, I want to apologize to everyone and ask for forgiveness for the situation. Secondly, I promise: I will definitely write all my thoughts, motives and reasons, but a little later," the singer posted on Facebook on Tuesday and insisted that he wanted "everyone to have their say".

"After all, the verdicts are still out and I am condemned without even being heard...," Vysniauskas wrote.

Earlier this week, reporters could reach the singer for comment.

On Sunday, Vysniauskas, better known abroad as Kristian Benedikt, performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Minsk.

Commenting on his decision to go to Minsk, Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys expressed his shock and said the singer's decisions were "incomprehensible to common sense".

Kairys also said Vysniauskas currently has no contracts with Lithuanian cultural establishments.