This was reported by Espresso correspondents.
Belarusians who fled the tyranny of the self-proclaimed president Oleksandr Lukashenka, in cooperation with volunteers, raised a huge flag measuring 5 by 10 metres in the air. The flag flew to Belarus, where in 2020 it became a symbol of resistance against the dictatorship of the so-called leader.
For the time being, the regime has declared the symbol of the freedom of the Belarusian people prohibited, and its use is punishable by criminal liability. Despite this, many Belarusians believe that their country is actually under occupation.
The action with the flag was intended to inspire our compatriots to dialogue with Ukrainians. It is important that the song “Red and White” by the Ukrainian author Ivan Semesyuk was played during the campaign.
The flag flew to Belarus as a symbol of freedom.
For reference. The white-red-white flag is the historical national symbol of Belarus, the official flag of the Belarusian People’s Republic (1918–1919) and the state flag of the Republic of Belarus until 1995. After the referendum, initiated and illegally held by Oleksandr Lukashenko, the use of this flag was actually banned in the country.
What is known about the confrontation between Belarusians and Lukashenka’s government
It began after the presidential election on August 9, 2020, which was falsified in favour of Lukashenko. Many Belarusians staged mass protests, demanding re-voting and democratic reforms. The authorities brutally dispersed the demonstrators, using force, torture, detention and criminal prosecution.
Lukashenko lost his legitimacy as the president of Belarus not only in the eyes of his people but also in the eyes of the world community. EU countries and Ukraine did not recognize the election results and imposed sanctions against Lukashenko and his entourage. Lukashenko depends on the support of Russia, which is trying to increase its influence in Belarus. However, Putin cannot force Lukashenko to agree to political transitions or deeper integration with Russia.
Many Belarusian activists and journalists were forced to leave the country due to persecution.
Espreso.TV
