Individual penalized 1,160 rubles for displaying flag in personal property
Controversy Surrounding the Display of the Belarusian National Flag
Ales Zdorovennov, a resident of Rechitsa, has found himself at the centre of a political storm after hanging the white-red-white national flag on his private house. The flag, which Zdorovennov stated he finds beautiful and represents Belarusian history, has been the subject of an administrative case.
The flag, which Zdorovennov hung as early as November, has been flying on his property without causing any disturbance. However, on January 23, police officer Vadim Pynkin visited Zdorovennov's home and accused him of conducting a solitary picket "with the aim of publicly expressing his socio-political interests."
Zdorovennov categorically disagreed with this claim, stating that he hung the flag for his own enjoyment, not for any mass events. Despite his protestations, Judge Vadim Bobyrev ruled that Zdorovennov was guilty of an unsanctioned picket and fined him 40 basic units (1160 rubles).
This is not the first time Zdorovennov's display of the white-red-white flag has been a topic of discussion or potential legal action. In early December, police officers noticed the flag on his house, and the administrative case was considered in the Rechitsa District Court by judge Vadim Bobyrev.
The white-red-white flag, historically linked to national opposition and protest against the Lukashenko regime, is a symbol that can provoke state action in Belarus. The authorities have actively suppressed its public and private display, treating it as politically sensitive and sometimes as "extremist" material linked to dissent.
Belarusian law under Lukashenko's presidency enforces strict controls on political expression, and symbols like the white-red-white flag are closely monitored and restricted. This aligns with broader crackdowns on opposition and dissent in Belarus, including searches, detentions, and restrictions codified through administrative or criminal law.
While there is no mention of specific laws or regulations explicitly forbidding flag display on private property publicly available, in practice, political repression applies to such acts as demonstrated in Zdorovennov’s case. The decision and fine against Zdorovennov come amidst ongoing political tensions and restrictions on freedom of expression in Belarus.
Zdorovennov has expressed his disagreement with the decision and announced his intention to appeal it. He maintains that the flag represents Belarusian history and finds it beautiful, not a symbol of opposition or dissent.
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