Minsk authorities banned Amaroka band concert

Officials have refused to issue a touring certificate for a concert of Amaroka.

The musicians were explained that their art could be treated as war or extremism propaganda and pose a threat to national security.

The concert-presentation of a new album of Amaroka was scheduled for June 5, tuzin.fm informs. According to the regulations, an application had been filed to the chief directorate of ideology work, culture and youth affairs of Minsk city executive committee. But holding of the event was denied. One of the organisers of the gig Pavel Belavus tried to find out the reason in a conversation with the chief of the directorate Syarhei Myadzvedzeu.

“In our talk the official referred to paragraph 5 of the Decree #257 and told that the permission could not be issued for us for this reason,” Belavus said.

It is stated in this document that holding events which aim is to propagate war or extremist activities is prohibited, as well as those which are a threat to national security, public order, morality, health of the population, rights and freedoms of citizens, or violate other laws including copyright laws.

Pavel Belavus says that Amaroka band is going to seek more specific explanation on this incident, as the creative work of the musicians is far from the characteristics mentioned in the document.

Almost at the same time a concert of Pet Nihil in Hrodna was banned on practically the same reasons.