Protest from the art world. Belarus continues to protest against presidential election

Published originally by bijutsutecho, 25 August 2020

Belarus continues to undergo large-scale protests by citizens over the presidential election held on August 9. In this situation, a letter from the local art world was released. This was released through CIMAM (International Museum Conference).

The open letter was signed by more than 300 people, including artists and museum officials. Among them, it criticized that there was dishonesty in the presidential election. It pointed out that police and military violence had continued to occur to citizens since the 9th, and more than 7,000 people were detained, and the detained citizens were in an inhumane environment.

In response to this situation, art officials demanded the state's investigation of atrocities and misconduct. "Stop violence against citizens and remove fear from the streets" "Release all political prisoners and detainees" "New transparent presidential elections" "Belarusian citizens free access to information. Provide the right to access and peaceful assembly.”

CIMAM has stated that: "it strongly supports all members of the Belarusian contemporary art community."