The Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in Exile Asks Sweden to Investigate the Flag Incident

The Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in Exile has asked Sweden to investigate the actions of security personnel who did not allow the Belarusian white-red-white flag to be seen during the World Hockey Championships in Sweden.

On May 5th at the World Hockey Championship in Sweden, uniformed personnel used violence against members of the organization “ Bielaruskaja Nacyjanalnaja Pamiac” (Belarusian National Memory) who had spread the white-red-white flag in the crowd. The personnel justified their action because of the “political character of the flag”.

The Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in Exile states that the white-red-white flag is not the symbol of any political party – it is the State Symbol of the Republic of Belarus.

The Rada points out that the Lukashenka regime changed the State symbols of Belarus after the so-called “referendum” of 1995. This “referendum” was the beginning of the regime’s aggression against existent legislation, democracy, and human rights in Belarus. It was held with grave violations of the Constitution and the laws of Belarus. At the time of its planning, on the premises of the Parliament, the KGB violently repressed 19 Opposition members. During the referendum, violations were observed at every location where observers were present. This gave grounds to consider the results of the so-called “referendum” as illegitimate. In addition, the results were not confirmed by the sitting Parliament.

The white-red white flag is a historical symbol of Belarus. The behaviour of the aggressors at the World Championship is an insult to national honour and the dignity.

The Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic requests that Sweden investigate the actions of the uniformed personnel and take appropriate measures according to the law. The Rada equally requests that the International Hockey Federation respect State symbols and human rights during championships.

The Rada also protests against the declarations of the chair of the Belarusian Hockey Federation Mr. Jauhien Vorsin and his dubious words directed against “dark skin” fans. These words are not only unacceptable in our civilized world, but contradict the Olympic spirit, based on racial equality and the absence of discrimination, be it racial or national.

6 May 2013

( original signed by  )
Ivonka J. Survilla
President, Rada of the Belarusian
Democratic Republic in Exile