Analysis
EU Values Foresight
Society
Viktor Orbán’s New Assault on Free Media and Civil Society
23 November 2023
The peaceful uprising against the Belarusian regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka is not only a matter of obtaining democracy but also concerns the symbols of public life. While the protesters have used the white-red-white flag to symbolise their resistance, the authorities continue to support the red-green flag while cracking down against any signs of public dissent.
A likely legislative ban on the white-red-white (WRW) flag through its classification as extremist only formalises the already ongoing absurd repressions against Belarusian historical symbols.
Even now, without legal grounds, displaying the WRW flag in practice is punished almost more severely than Nazi symbols. The state Belarusian and pro-Kremlin propaganda networks actively use absurd parallels with the Nazis to denigrate historical symbols.
Belarusian state bodies have begun to fight against Belarusian national symbols, history and common sense. The priority of state workers is not the fight against snowdrifts and fixing central heating but the destruction of white-red-white combinations in public spaces.
Subscribe
Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.
MonthlyVAT included
See all details
- Full access to articles and reports
- Monthly foresights and risk analysis delivered by e-mail
- Weekly newsletter with most important highlights
- Visegrad Insight social media community groups invitation
AnnualVAT included
See all details
- All monthly features PLUS…
- Free invitation to one editorial board discussion to participate in deciding on the future direction of the Visegrad Insight
- Free delivery of two select hardcopies of Visegrad Insight reports
Student OR Donation
See all details
- Full access to articles and reports
- Monthly foresights, weekly newsletters, and risk analysis delivered by e-mail
- Free invitation to one editorial board discussion to participate in deciding on the future direction of the Visegrad Insight (annual subscription only)
Can I receive an invoice?
Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.
Are my credit card details safe?
Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.
How modify or cancel my subscription?
At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.
