languages and everyone will find something of their own. And, of course, there is enough instrumental music. During the mass protests against the election results of August 2020 and the police repression that followed, musicians of Irdorath decided to participate and play music during themarches.Whydid theydecided to do so? Good question.At that time, it was not a question for us. It seems to me that just everyone who felt that it was time for a change came out.There were so many people and it was natural. These were emphatically peaceful processions. I think you have seen these shots - they can be easily found on the internet. The musicians went out and did what they do best - play for people, cheer them up. For me, they are not guilty, neither are the several thousand people who are now deprived of their liberty. Were they aware that participating in the protests was dangerous? Did they know that they faced the danger of long prison sentences? I still don’t understand and the whole world with us doesn’t understand how participation in peaceful rallies could be dangerous. No one thought about prison terms. This could not be in the rule of law. Unfortunately, we still see new details of detentions and arrests in the news every day. We are waiting for the release of our friends and colleagues. At the end of 2020, several members of Irdorath lost their jobs at the Viktoryia Children and Youth Centre due to participating in yard concerts in Minsk. Can you tell us more about this? I can't answer you. But I really hope that people keep a record of all employees dismissed for conscience reasons since that moment. It's thousands and thousands of people.These layoffs are ongoing. You were present during that fateful night of 2 August 2021 when several members of Irdorath were arrested. Can you tell us what happened? It is very strange to detain musicians representing Belarus in Europe like this. I will refrain from commenting. I can only say that we planned to celebrate Nadia's birthday and half of the guests met there for the first time. Draw your own conclusions. As a result, you and others were convicted to 15 days in prison for disobeying the special forces that made - 31 - the arrests. Meanwhile, 5 people received long prison sentences: 2 years in custody for singers Vladimir and Nadezjda Kalach, and 1 year and 6 months for their fellow musicians Piatro Marchanka, Yuliya Marchanka and Anton Shnip. Do we have any news of how they experience the prison? I can't speak for the guys, but from my experience I can say that the first thing is shock. Shock is everything. Emotional breakdown and depression. Imagine that they were imprisoned without a court verdict for four months. Four months of waiting... and what is it like for Vladimir and Peter to know that their wives Nadezhda and Yulia were in the same building and there was no opportunity to see each other.And how does Anton feel? His bride is waiting for him. There was hope for a different outcome but this did not happen. Recently, Nadezhda and Yulia were transferred to a colony in Gomel. Where do you live right now? Can you still walk freely in Belarus or is it dangerous for you too? I left Belarus with one suitcase of things. Now I am starting my life from scratch in another country. All over again. It's not easy but it's quite possible. I believe that we will definitely get together again and play at the best festivals in the world! I thank you for the interview. Now and during the entire period in prison, my guys and their families really need support and help. You can write a letter without a political context or transfer money. All information can be found by hashtag #freeirdorath The five members of Irdorath are recognized as political prisoners.You can write the at the following addresses: Vladimir Kalach, Piatro Marchanka and Anton Shnip SIZO-2, Gagarina st. 2,Vitsebsk, 210026, BELARUS Nadezjda Kalach and Yuliya Marchanka SIZO-3, Knizhnaya st. 1A, Gomel, 246003, BELARUS You can donate for the prisoners of Irdorath through the Belarussian Council for Culture. You can find all the information on Irdorath and the actions of solidarity with the prisoners under hashtag #freeirdorath. There is also a facebook group where all the information is shared Xavier Kruth www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be
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