Israeli TV tells why DDT and Lyapis Trubetskoy bands are banned in Belarus

Israeli Channel 9 showed a report about blacklists of musicians in Belarus.

“Lukashenka signed the decree 'On some issues on organising and holding shows and cultural events', under which all concerts in the country may be organised only with permission of ideological departments of local executive committees.

The decree targets both local and foreign musicians,” the TV channel reminds.

Unofficial blacklists of musicians who don't have access to local radio and television have been existing in Belarus for a long time. Blacklisted musicians can't have concerts in Belarus.

The “public council on morality” wanted to cancel planned concerts of Rammstein, Marilin Manson and Elton John.

Radio stations were forbidden to broadcast the song “We want changes” by Kino band a few years ago. DDT group from St Petersburg and local Lyapis Trubetskoy band cannot play concerts in Belarus. The words “Angry Lukashenka rages in Belarus” almost closed the door to the country for Alexander Vasilyev and his band Splean.

All foreign musicians that passed the security exam will have to pay a duty to Lukashenka's special fund for “supporting talented youth”.

Music producer Alexander Kushnir says the country may find itself in intellectual isolation due to these measures. “I feel pity for their authentic culture. We see enough representatives of it so far,” he added. “Many young interesting musicians from Belarus have been playing at festivals for young groups for the last two or three years. They want to enter the Russian market. It will be a pity if it will be a one-way movement.”