Voices from Belarus Talk Eastern Europe

The coronavirus turned out to be the Chernobyl regime of Alexander Lukashenka. Belarusians woke up. They've told enough lies. The authorities responded with repressions that will not undo the changes. A new Belarus is born.

Show Contributors

Anton Saifullayeu, Paweł Usow, Jarosław Kociszewski, Agata Kasprolewicz, Piotr Rudkouski, Hanna Lubakowa, Andrej Chadanowicz, Edward Lucas, Alena Aharelysheva, John Beauchamp

Voiceovers: John Beauchamp, Amy Drozdowska, Jaroslaw Kociszewski

*** This podcast is financed by Solidarity Fund PL within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the grant titled: “In Solidarity with Belarus”. The podcast expresses exclusively the views of the speakers and cannot be identified with the official stance of the Solidarity Fund PL nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

The song is a response to the regime's violence. "Walls" has also become an anthem in Belarus. Even folk songs sung under the white, red and white flag have power. Graffiti appears on the walls. The Belarusian revolution creates its own culture and art, which revives the history of a long-sleeping nation.

The podcast uses excerpts from the following songs:

- "Walls" translated by Andrei Chadanowicz and performed by Nastya Niakrasava
- "Peremen" by Irdorath and the demonstrators
- "Kupalinka" - from the "Hold the fire" concert at the POLIN Museum
- "Mahutny Boża" - performed by the musicians of the Minsk Philharmonic during the protest
- "Woiny Swieta" - Belarusian version 2020 and protesting students of one of the high schools

Voiceovers: John Beauchamp, Amy Drozdowska, Jaroslaw Kociszewski

*** This podcast is financed by Solidarity Fund PL within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the grant titled: “In Solidarity with Belarus”. The podcast expresses exclusively the views of the speakers and cannot be identified with the official stance of the Solidarity Fund PL nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

The authorities are trying to suppress the awakening of Belarus by force. Citizens are affected by unprecedented repression. The brutality of the officers surprises the Belarusians themselves. However, the use of violence is nothing new, and some forms of persecution are embedded in the system created by Alexander Lukashenka.

Show Contributors
Anton Saifullayeu, Jarosław Kociszewski, Agata Kasprolewicz, Bartosz Panek, Alena Aharelysheva

Voiceovers: John Beauchamp, Amy Drozdowska, Jaroslaw Kociszewski

*** This podcast is financed by Solidarity Fund PL within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the grant titled: “In Solidarity with Belarus”. The podcast expresses exclusively the views of the speakers and cannot be identified with the official stance of the Solidarity Fund PL nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

The Belarusian woman ripped the policeman's mask off his face. She tells her story. Women in Belarus are fighting not only against the oppressive regime, but also for their rights. The authorities, rooted in Soviet thinking, do not understand what they mean.

Show Contributors

Anton Saifullayeu, Jarosław Kociszewski, Veronika Laputska, Nasta Niakrasawa, Agata Kasprolewicz, Max Rust, Hanna Lubakowa, Amira Ousmanova, Alena Aharelysheva, Małgorzata Raducha

Voiceovers: John Beauchamp, Amy Drozdowska, Jaroslaw Kociszewski

*** This podcast is financed by Solidarity Fund PL within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the grant titled: “In Solidarity with Belarus”. The podcast expresses exclusively the views of the speakers and cannot be identified with the official stance of the Solidarity Fund PL nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

The IT industry has become a showcase of Belarus. The authorities did not appreciate the social consequences of this fact. As a result, the analog regime was attacked by cyber guerrillas. This is an unusual phenomenon that also carries the risk of spreading violence.

Show Contributors

Olga Dryndowa, Anton Saifullayeu, Paweł Usow, Jarosław Kociszewski, Veronika Laputska, Nasta Niakrasawa, Agata Kasprolewicz, Max Rust, Aleksander Papko, Amira Ousmanova, Alena Aharelysheva, Małgorzata Raducha

Voiceovers: John Beauchamp, Amy Drozdowska, Jaroslaw Kociszewski

*** This podcast is financed by Solidarity Fund PL within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the grant titled: “In Solidarity with Belarus”. The podcast expresses exclusively the views of the speakers and cannot be identified with the official stance of the Solidarity Fund PL nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Despite violent public opposition, power in Belarus has not retreated. A former militia officer tells what the situation is "from the inside". A system built over decades will not give up easily.

Show Contributors
Paweł Usow, Jarosław Kociszewski, Piotr Rudkouski, Hanna Lubakowa, Bartosz Panek, Andrej Astapowicz

Voiceovers: John Beauchamp, Amy Drozdowska, Jaroslaw Kociszewski

*** This podcast is financed by Solidarity Fund PL within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the grant titled: “In Solidarity with Belarus”. The podcast expresses exclusively the views of the speakers and cannot be identified with the official stance of the Solidarity Fund PL nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.