Иллюстративное фото: ГУВД Мингорисполкома
The Honar, LSTR Adzenne and Ragna stores and brands recently ceased operations in Belarus. They announced their closure almost simultaneously without giving reasons.
According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, the owner of one of the stores was detained by security forces. He was questioned about social media and his contacts. He was released after being ordered to close the business.
“This is sad and alarming information showing that the assault on Belarusian culture continues in all its forms. This time, national clothing and symbols have been targeted. At the same time, Belarusian bookstores and publishing houses continue to be destroyed, while Belarusian books are constantly added to extremist lists — they are effectively banned in Belarus. Now it has reached clothing and applied arts.
This is another step towards the Russification of Belarus, carried out by the Belarusian authorities themselves”, Nobel laureate and head of Viasna Ales Bialiatski said.