Supporting the independent culture of Belarus is an investment in a democratic and secure Europe
Thesis of speech by Pavel Latushka, Member of the Coordination Council Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe at the PACE session on Belarusian culture
Mr. Сhairman, distinguished colleagues,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Rapporteur, Member of the Polish Sejm, Madam Agnieszka Pomaska for your work and for your support. Your meetings in September with Belarusian cultural initiatives in Warsaw and Białystok, as well as your contribution to drafting the key report give us hope for establishing effective European mechanisms for long-term support of Belarusian culture inside and outside of Belarus.
We know that a systematic destruction of national identity is taking place in Belarus. According to PEN Belarus, at least 428 cultural figures have been dismissed on political grounds. Hundreds of cultural organizations in Belarus have been liquidated. All private culture initiatives have been liquidated.
More than 100 cultural figures are currently behind bars, held in special facilities, or placed under house arrest. Among them is the legendary musician, radio host, and composer Aleh Khamenka, leader of the group "Palac". We remember the tragic death of political prisoner and artist Ales Pushkin, who died in prison in July 2023.
It is very important to emphasize that what is happening in Belarus today is not simply repression. It is an attempt at the complete absorption of Belarus by the ideology of the "Russian World." Now we are struggling with the Russian world, so support of our national culture, support of the Belarusian language is very important.
For us, culture today is our main front of resistance and national survival. Supporting the independent culture of Belarus is not just a humanitarian step, but an investment in a democratic and secure Europe. Once again, I thank the Chair and the Rapporteur, Madam Agnieszka Pomaska.
Thank you for your attention.
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