Art director persecuted for street theatre participating in Freedom Day authorised event
Someone has filed a complaint with the Minsk police over Hanna Nestserava, Art Director of the street theatre Vir, which participated in the Feast Of Independence on March, 25.
On the eve of Belarus’ unofficial Freedom Day Hanna was warned against appearing at the event.
“At the meeting, the director verbally ordered all groups belonging to the Centre not to perform at the event. When I said that we would not quit, I was told that I might face some unpleasant surprises, down to getting a sack,” the woman told Belsat.
After the feast, the director of the educational centre which hosts the theatre told Hanna to look for another room for their lessons. Hanna also received a reprimand from her superiors.
March 25, 2018 was be the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Belarusian People’s Republic (BNR). It came into existence at the end of the First World War, when Bolshevik forces left Minsk and the city was occupied by German troops. On March 25, 1918 the Provisional Government (Rada) proclaimed the independence of the BNR. After the Red Army re-entered Minsk, the Communist government replaced the Rada; its members had to emigrate. For many years, Lukashenka regime has been slamming and even persecuting those who pay the tribute to the BNR.
- Mass detentions of ‘Belsat’ journalists in Minsk
- Freedom Day: Paddy wagons in downtown Minsk
- From Chicago to Phuket: sports activities in honor of # 100BNR (map and photos)
In late February, Minsk authorities allowed to hold a Freedom Day concert and a rally next to the Opera and Ballet Theatre, but banned the applicants from marching. However, several politicians submitted another application for holding a march on the occasion at Minsk city executive committee, but failed to give any approval.
belsat.eu. Photo: Viktor Drachev / TASS / FORUM
