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Belarusian rockers Lyapis Trubetskoi play during pro-EU protest in Kyiv

 

Belarusian popular rock band Lyapis Trubetskoi took to the stage during a pro-European protest in downtown Kyiv on Saturday to play several of their rousing songs to massive cheers and applause from the crowd, according to media reports.

Speaking to the crowd, frontman Syarhey Mikhalok urged the protesters to offer resistance to the Ukrainian authorities.

“We, Belarusians, look at you with admiration and respect, because you have shown how to fight back police lawlessness,” the rocker was quoted as saying.

While concluding the short gig, Mr. Mikhalok relayed “greetings from Minsk Hero City to Kyiv Hero City.” After the band left the stage, Belarus’ historically national white-red-white flag was hung next to the Ukrainian flag on the stage.

Unknown people also hoisted a white-red-white flag over a building in downtown Kyiv during the band’s performance.

Lyapis Trubetskoi have not been allowed to play shows in Minsk since 2011 because of their open criticism of Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s rule. //BelaPAN