Often labelled “Europe’s last dictatorship”, Belarus usually receives little international attention outside of its often memorable appearances on the Eurovision stage.
However, for over a week now, the eastern European country has been making headlines globally as unprecedented levels of anti-government protests spill onto the streets.
Here’s an overview of what’s happening along with reactions from Eurovision personalities both inside and outside Belarus.
Protests in Belarus
What is happening in Belarus?
In the capital Minsk, as well as smaller towns and cities, locals have taken to the streets in numbers rarely seen before. At night, these gatherings have witnessed riot police violence and bloodshed, leading to the deaths of several Belarusian citizens.
Initially, it was a protest against the official exit poll results after the 9 August elections. Gatherings have since shifted their themes to broader goals, such a the ability to protest peacefully and to be able to speak one’s mind, alongside the previous goals of free and fair elections.
As a result of the riot police’s role in the protests, a captain in the Belarusian police force decided to leave his post after more than 17 years of service. This action started a movement of riot policemen leaving their posts and sharing videos of themselves throwing their uniforms in the bin.
This movement extended further towards other state sectors, for example, the state television.
How is the Belarusian state broadcaster connected to the protests?
While tens of thousands of peaceful protesters gathered on the streets throughout Belarus after the election, the subsequent BTRC news programme Panorama mostly focused on other topics, portraying those who took to the street as “hooligans”.
Meanwhile, access to other news sources was blocked. Between 9 and 12 August, most Belarusians had very limited access to the internet through mobile data and were not able to use most social media, except for Telegram. At the same time, critical local news portals and newspapers — such as TUT.by and Nasha Niva — were unreachable. They continue to be blocked periodically.
A report made by the Belarusian state broadcaster featuring a group of young people apologising for protesting led to severe criticism from both local and international journalists, politicians and observers.
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Eurovision personalities react
Junior Eurovision host Evgeny Perlin resigns
Long-term Belarusian Eurovision commentator and Junior Eurovision 2018 host Evgeny Perlin announced his departure from the Belarusian state television amid the ongoing protests in the country. The 12 August broadcast of his talk show Makayonka, 9 was his last.
It was enough for Evgeny Perlin. The Eurovision commentator also has duties as a newsreader on ATN Novosti, the main news branch of the Belarusian state broadcaster. In a statement on his personal Instagram page, Evgeny explained his decision.
“What became of my Belarus?
I worked on live television since 2009. News broadcasts, Dobraĭ Ranitsy, Belarus, Eurovision (both adult and children’s version). And the project, about which I have dreamt the most – my own late-night show, of which we shot two seasons. 70 episodes. We invited the coolest stars and young Belarusians, giving them the chance to sing live, have fun with interactions. And I only created, with our team, Makayonka, 9 as a result of the responses of our audience.
Now, not one of these projects calls for that emotion, about which we are thinking.
I decided, that tonight’s broadcast on Belarus-1 will be the last.
And nobody influenced me on that decision, I took it myself.
I hope that that same #MyCountryBelarus will return soon.”
VAL (Belarus 2020)
“We can no longer watch how our society is divided along with the cries of Belarusian citizens, begging for RESPECT. We don’t want to wake up in the morning and call our friends and relatives just to find out if some of them had been looked for in the prisons. We don’t want to see fear and pain in the eyes of our people and questions: “What about me? What about my VOICE?”.”
NAVIBAND (Belarus 2017)
Ilia Prusikin (Russia 2020)
“I couldn’t sleep normally in the last two days, seeing what is happening on the streets of Belarus. It doesn’t happen somewhere or with just somebody… It is our friends, our family, brothers and sisters. They try to kill them, try to, shoot into windows, break their property and put them into prisons.”
Alekseev (Belarus 2018)
“Everybody needs air. Without freedom, we choke.”
Vova Karyakin of Litesound (Belarus 2012)
Could the protest impact on Belarus’ Eurovision and Junior Eurovision participation?
In the past, we’ve seen that internal tensions have led to countries withdrawing from both Eurovision and Junior Eurovision. A recent example of that is Ukraine, in which the tensions and its consequences eventually contributed to the local broadcaster having to withdraw twice within the space of five years — 2015 and 2019.
The current situation might make it hard for the broadcaster to organise a national final for a Eurovision event. Although Belarus has announced its Junior Eurovision plans, the broadcaster has yet to make any statements with regards to Eurovision 2021.
Do you want to know more about the situation in Belarus? The New York Times has written a concise overview of the situation leading up to the current state of affairs.
This makes me want to listen 2 Naviband
(And hope for a free and democratic Belarus)
#FreeBelarus
I love Belarus!
Free Belarus!
I don’t know if she’s somehow connected to Eurovision, but Belarusian singer Rita Dakota recorded a song about the protests, you should definitely listen to it and watch the video on her instagram, it made me cry..
I’ve been following the situation even since before elections, I hope that everything will go well in Belarus as soon as possible.
She’s not connected with Eurovision but with Junior Eurovision (she co-wrote two songs for JESC (Russia 2016 and Belarus 2017)).
Hoping for justice and freedom for the Belarusian people. It’s heartening to see so many artists supporting democracy.
Let’s hope for a bright future for a free Belarus
Anyway, where’s Solayoh and Like It songstress? #flop
The Eastern Europe Spring really is here! Power to the people of Belarus in freeing themselves from that dictatorship! Belarusian Eurovision acts and characters supporting the democracy movement and endorsing change has to be one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen as a fan, specially considering the huge risk that comes if the regime does end up staying in power and would probably ban any act or person who supported the movement from having a career in Belarus and/or the state broadcaster. Reminds me of when Ruslana became a central figure in the Euromaidan protests in Ukraine around 2013-2014.… Read more »
if Naviband get hurt I’m invading
Probably the best comment I have ever read in Wiwibloggs
My heart goes out to Belarus and it’s people. I am glad to see that the artists are more progressive thinking, but that’s often to be expected. I hope the things get better and that violence ends. Belarus has been suffering for far too long.
By the words of Molly, POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
Although that is OT, it is an interesting issue. I was very young back then and I didn’t follow ESC as anything else than one night casual fun. As I know, Doris basically did what JOWST did in 2017, only as it was 18 years earlier, it was a big controversy. The usage of back vocals was finally allowed, but some points were substracted. How many, I don’t know since I haven’t make a count. If we are going OT, I just want to share that Severina (Croatian ESC representative of 2006) has coronavirus, but is currently asymptomatic. We hope… Read more »
Wiwi and ESC X-tra have gotten very good at tackling social issues as of late.
All I hope is that this protest leads to actual, substantial change. We’ve seen it happen here in the States. High time this happens in Belarus. My thoughts are with the people there fighting for what’s right.
Also I hope Evgeny decides to reconsider being a big ol’ homophobe while he’s busy protesting
There’s a general sense of constant awareness regarding racial prejudice and systemic oppression. Kamala Harris being the VP candidate has inspired a lot of enthusiasm, but obviously some people will never be satisfied with anything. Cautious optimism is the name of the game. 11/3 is looking hopeful, but we mustn’t be complacent. Actual major legislative change is slower to happen until we boot Trump and his racist/sexist/homophobic/transphobic cronies out of office, but there have been a few pleasant surprises the last few months.
Kamala Harris certainly doesn’t inspire enthusiasm among progressives and I don’t know how she can in anyone sensible. She put parents in jail for their children’s truancy and was even proud of it. Like that’s gonna solve anything, it only targeted poor communities all the more. What a god awful pick. But of course, it was always gonna be the best pick for the Pelosis and Schumers of this world relying on people voting for anything but Trump. Let me tell you, this anything but duo is garbage. In fact, they are the perfect duo for the Democrat donors because… Read more »
Let’s just hope the November election is fair. Which is unlikely. Gerrymandering, voter suppression, Russian hacking, incompetent media…and now the dismantling of the postal service. If he loses, Donald Trump will not concede. Worst case scenario : he takes (unfair) legal action, which his corrupt attorney general will support. It winds its way up to the Supreme Court, which Donald has now stacked with his right-wing cronies. Don’t forget the Supreme Court decided the 2000 election – in favour of another incompetent, G.W. Bush. Twenty years later, will the same happen again? Sorry if this is deemed to be negative.… Read more »
That sounds a lot like how the remain voters reacted in the UK after the Brexit vote!
Neither do I?
You may not like Trump but he’s not comparable to Lukashenko, how ridiculous.
How wrong you are. Sadly. There are many comparisons. Donald Trump was not elected by the people. He is a crime boss, above the law. Nobody holds him to account. He is now doing everything he can to undermine a fair election. He has no regard for human rights or even human life. He puts armed forces on peaceful protests. Democracy is dying in the USA.
True, but you need to acknowledge the dirt on BOTH sides. Even four years after Trump, the Democrats are picking their two worst candidates to run against him. And how hypocritical they are. Harris herself confronted and scolded Biden about his racism issues. And she herself won’t do any good for the people. Are you familiar with her policies? She is a nightmare for the people. She is the pick of the donors.
I don’t really need to acknowledge that, because that is a different conversation entirely – not relevant to comparisons between Donald Trump and Alexander Lukashenko. If you want to compare Joe Biden to Alexander Lukashenko, go ahead, that’s up to you.
My point was that the people still won’t get anything out of that presidental pick. You guys seem to suggest things will get better if only the boogie man leaves office. And no, I’m not comparing anyone to the Belarussian dictator. It was you who did that and I did not and will not follow in your footsteps. But regarding the entirely different conversation, my point is the (supposed) lesser evil is still an evil. Quite a low bar when the candidate supposed to save America is obviously another demented dude with his own credible rape allegations and obvious intelligence… Read more »
Joe Biden is far from perfect, I know that. Have I ever claimed otherwise? I even disagree with your assessment of a “decline in intelligence” when I wonder if he’s ever had any at all. Think of how he treated Anita Hill almost thirty years ago. Having said that, I still think he is an infinitely superior choice for President than Donald Trump. If only because he will appoint sane people to cabinet positions, the supreme court and more. He’ll probably only do one term anyway. His main goal is to get rid of Donald – if he achieves that,… Read more »
Enough from him, I meant. Others can do the rest.
I feel painful for the Belarusian people. I myself come from Hong Kong, which shares the same fate, if not worse, with Belarus. Since the start of protest more than one year ago, the situation has not improved even a bit. Every week we read about how the regime and its police force deliberately break the law to suppress the anti-government movement. The police force is apparently corrupted, cooperating with the underworld, arresting and torturing anyone they want. Not a single government official or police officer apologizes once, let alone getting prosecuted. We Hong Kong people feel very upset about… Read more »
It’s a country, not a city. It doesn’t have the same proportionality. Don’t bring every protest back with your sauce.
wow, insensitive and rude much?
Proportionality? Hong Kong has 7.5 million residents, Belarus has 9.5. It’s not a contest.
A fellow Hongkonger here. Just sad to see the police brutality unfolding in Belarus. I really hope the Belarusian people keep fighting for freedom and democracy and succeed, because there is virtually no hope of progress in Hong Kong.
I see here two possible scenes:
-Belarus winning in ESC (at least winning jury votes)
-Belarus withdrawing from ESC.
I may be wrong, but let’s see. Everything is possible now, and nothing will now make me feel surprised.
This is bigger than ESC, what help would protests have for ESC result as well, probably limited
More likely, I’d see the latter happening
It’s the broadcaster that participates, not the government. The broadcaster in Belarus may need the EBU’s support now more than ever. That is the EBU’s main function, way more important than the song contest. To support their members and ensure that they can function properly.
The broadcaster is STATE OWNED, Lukashenko runs it
What I was trying to say is that the EBU should be using their power to help the decent people at the broadcaster, not punish them. Yes, it might be a state broadcaster – so the EBU should be pushing for reform, helping it cover events fairly and accurately. Supporting journalism. Stopping propaganda pressure. Not cutting ties completely. What good will that do? Ban it from the contest temporarily, fine. The EBU should be on the broadcaster’s side, helping it meet EBU standards. European Broadcasting Union. This is what unions do. Why even join a union if it will turn… Read more »
There was a staff walkout at the broadcaster today. They’re sick of the propaganda, if they can’t do honest journalism, they won’t work. 300 out of the 2,000 employees went on strike. The rest are scared.
This is what I’m talking about. This is who the EBU should support.
Until Belarus sorts this out, the EBU forces them to withdraw indefinitely.
I doubt it. That would be the least of Alexander Lukashenko’s worries. They’d also have to kick out some other participants if they want to be consistent.
It is worth noting that the EBU had no ethical problems whatsoever allowing that regime to host Junior Eurovision.
Well I do think politics should have nothing with hosting the competition, it’s a bad regime, but the country as a whole isn’t bad, that’s why we should keep those separate.
Do you honestly think a broadcaster is not a part of the regime in a country like Belarus?
I still believe that any country should be able to host no matter what. Sport events also happen in all countries. That’s my opinion tho and also where to draw a line, if Belarus shouldn’t host – who else? Azerbaijan, Russia, Georgia, even Poland, Hungary? I also believe all these countries would withdraw if tild that they can’t host in a case of a a victory since what’s the point then – amd that would be political imo.
Well, it is difficult to draw a line, sure. But ‘any country, no matter what’, definitely not. Would you wanna go to North Korea for any event? I don’t. In a Eurovision context, drawing the line maybe could start with dictatorships. Belarus is obviously a dictatorship. I don’t want to exclude the Belarussian artists from participating, definitely not. But hosting it and promoting such a regime? NO.
Well I respect your opinion and we often agree but not on this one unfortunately. OK I wouldn’t want to go to North Korea since it’s dangerous, Belarus however is safer than cities like London or Paris even tho it has such regime, so yes I would go there – with no fear actually. And I don’t think hosting Eurovision means promoting the regime, it’s just promoting the country, which I think all countries deserve no matter what. 🙂
A ridiculous position to take. I suppose you have no problem with Adolf Hitler hosting the 1936 Olympics? He banned Jewish athletes. How about Vladimir Putin hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics? He banned any support for gay people. Then there’s Qatar bribing their way to the FIFA World Cup 2022. How many exploited migrants have died in the building of their elaborate stadiums? What about Baku 2012 sweeping aside a poor community in order to make space for the Crystal Hall?
It may not mean endorsing the regime, but it does mean facilitating them – then turning a blind eye.
well but hosting also brings joy, not just misery to the people. And sorry but are we seriously comparing Hitler to Lukashenko and Putin? + Belarus isn’t banning anyone, and banning support for gay people doesn’t mean banning the gays – so that’s a ridiculous position to take imo. Yeah these countries are far from perfect, but I don’t think they should be banned from hosting the events. Western countries also started a lot of wars in the Middle East and North Africa, I see no one complaining if UK were to host. Again where to draw a line?
The EBU has ethics? Belarus is not the only regime to have hosted Eurovision. Russia has, as did Azerbaijan. Not to mention that the right wing regime of the last hosting country (Actual Eurovision, not the Junior version) is well known for has a modern day apartheid government.
Twice! 2010 and 2018.
Also of course, Baku 2012. In that case, they let the “leader” give his wife a top job, and his son-in-law the interval act. Then four hours of self-promotion.
Since when are Norway and Portugal regimes?
2010 and 2018 are when Belarus hosted the Junior contest, which is what I was referring to.
The EBU boss, Ingrid Deltenre, was confronted with the Azerbaijan hosting issues and she was like ‘eh, what can we do?’. At least one journalist got her to admit that about the regime’s nepotism at Eurovision, even she was asking herself ‘Is that really necessary?’ I’d ask myself that question on a whole lot of issues regarding Eurovision. Letting Belarus promote themselves means there is no bottom for them. Mr Lukashenko is described as ‘Europe’s last dictator’ for a reason.
One thing she could have done was not let them join the EBU to begin with. They only joined just before 2008 – with the sole aim of hijacking the Eurovision Song Contest for international promotion. They succeeded within three years. Sad!
The money was just too precious to resist, I suppose. And frankly, I think even those three years probably felt like an eternity to the Azerbaijani regime. Now, I still enjoy good entries like ‘When the music dies’ or the sight of Chingiz, but the damage the EBU allowed and will probably continue to allow Azerbaijan to do weighs heavier, I think.
And that’s not even the craziest part, it’s that they let them host the kids’ show TWICE! Although to be fair, if Minsk wouldn’t have been selected as host city, then it was probably going to be Russia, so not that big of a change.
And well, the EBU can sanction and talk all they want, but yet that didn’t prevent us from going to Baku in 2012.
Belarus is changing before our eyes, young Belarusians. They want life without a dictator, democracy must come to this country, the Lukashenko regime must be overthrown and freedom will come
True, enough is enough!
Commenting sensibly on an article like this is just way beyond my capabilities.
I only hope that people can find the happiness within.
Remember Evgeny Perlin and his homophobic comment during a gay kiss during the Kiss Cam in the first semi-final in 2019… A good Lukashenko soldier !!!
I think that people who react to my comment by clicking on minus are also homophobic, aren’t they ? It’s horrible to think that those people agree with Perlin.
Lukashenko is bloody dictator like his big boss Putin, two monsters , ugh!