"> Name: Belarusan director censored and assaulted for critical film

Date: 1995 - present

Location: Middle East and Caucasus

SubjectPolitical/Economic/Social Opinion

MediumFilm/Video


Artist: Yuri Khashchevatsky

Confronting Bodies: Belarus' State Security Committee and offended citizens

Date of Action: December 1997

Specific Location: Karelichi, Belarus

Description of Artwork: Khashchevatsky, a well known Belarusan film director, directed the film "An Ordinary President," criticizing president Alyaksandr Lukashenka.



Description of Incident: The film was broadcast in Karelichi on January 22, 1997. Afterwards, local police and members of the State Security Committee siezed the video and arrested the station operator, Maksim Svyrid.



Results of Incident: On December 23, 1997, Khashchevatsky was assaulted by two unknown assailants, two days after the film premiered on French and German Television.



Source: Index on Censorship, 2/98

Submitted By: NCAC


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