Wednesday, February 28, 2007

An Opposition View Emerges from Belarus

Here is a hard-hitting, satirical documentary about the corrupt and woefully ineffective government of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenka. It is a long piece (an hour and a half) but its use of English subtitles makes the points very clear -- and very sad for all who yearn for freedom and justice in Belarus.

The film most specifically deals with the opposition rally in Minsk last March following Lukashenka's rigged election but it also covers government suppresions of freedom, the actions of the KGB, the duplicity of the president, life and attitudes in the Belarus villages, and more. There's a bit of offensive language but those interested in what's really happening in Belarus should definitely watch this bold effort of independent filmmaker Yuri Hashchavacki.

Having myself been many times on the streets of Minsk where these compelling protests were filmed, I found this movie particularly profound and moving. But I think you will too.