Apocalyptica in row over use of music by ultra-right Czech party

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Representatives of Finnish cello metal band Apocalyptica are planning to take the Czech political party Národni strana (National Party) to court for unsolicited use of the band's material.
      The ultranationalist, EU-sceptic party has used the band's track Path (from the 2000 album Cult) in its TV and Internet advertising for the upcoming European Parliament elections, without seeking the prior approval of the rights-holders.
     
The advertisement in question also recommends transferring the Roma minority from the Czech Republic to India.
      Apocalyptica has published a statement on its website completely disassociating itself from the Národni strana party's views and racism.
      "We hope it is a clear statement that we would never allow the Czech Republic party Národni strana to use any of our music. The fact is, we were never asked if they could use our material", the band states in a notice signed by the four members.
     
The statement further notes that Apocalyptica "supports minorities, stands up for human rights, [and] respects every human being, no matter their colour, ethnic background or religion, worldwide.
      Apocalyptica also supports the idea of a united Europe and the European Union."
      Universal Music Publishing and Universal Music, the holders of the rights to Apocalyptica's music in the Czech Republic, are both planning to institute court proceedings immediately over the violation.
     


Links:
  Apocalyptica
  Apocalyptica (Wikipedia)

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