Why Is Lukashenko Afraid Of People Of Art?

A famous actor's opinion.

Lukashenko said about the problems in the Belarusian theater and cinematography - allegedly "crooks and enemies" everywhere. He also recalled the protests, when employees of Belarusfilm were in the front rows of protesters.

Why does the ruler dislike people of art so much? The site Charter97.org talked to director, theater and film actor Andrei Novik about it:

- First of all, people of art are among the few who can publicly express their opinions. If we take the theater, it could be interpreted as an unauthorized micro-meeting if an artist suddenly, in front of an audience of 300 people, expresses an opinion that differs from the state line. Such a story, of course, would not be very pleasant for those in power.

Artists and politicians are about 80% of those who can address people from TV screens. Therefore, of course, it is more convenient for dictatorial regimes to educate the people without any media idols who can lead them by their opinions, visions and ideals. To prevent figures like Robert De Niro. To prevent an entertainer of this magnitude from growing up who, at the Academy Awards, can speak out in front of a billion viewers. That's what it's about.

It's much more convenient to convince people that we have no one, and artists themselves, that they are nothing and nobody, that they have no right to express their opinions, than to allow such a will.

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