English

Authorities cancel famous rocker’s concert at art center in Minsk

Authorities cancelled prominent rock musician Lyavon Volski’s concert at an art center in Minsk.

The frontman of the famous rock bands N.R.M. and Krambambulya was to launch his new solo album at the show, which was scheduled for September 28.

One day before the scheduled concert at Art Syadziba, officers of the emergency management ministry banned any events from taking place at the art center and sealed the premises.

The concert had to be moved to the Minsk office of the Belarusian Popular Front as a result. Some 150 people crammed into the small office and more people gathered outside to listen through open windows.

“The fact that the musician is outstanding is very obvious as the emergency management ministry decided that the concert may not be held in the new office of Art Syadziba,” said journalist Alyaksey Znatkevich while opening the event.

Mr. Volski is rumored to be on authorities’ blacklist of Belarusian and foreign musicians and cultural figures known for having spoken out for democratic change in Belarus and for the release of political prisoners. The list is reported to include some 30 individuals and 15 bands.

Earlier this year, Art Syadziba was evicted from an idle shop inside state-owned television maker Horizont's plant, apparently because authorities believed its activity to be promoting anti-government sentiments.// BelaPAN