Alexander Rybak criticized in Norway for a photo with Lukashenka

Belarus-born Alexander Rybak who won the Eurovision'2009 song contest for Norway has been under serious critisim in Norway for a photograph where he is seen hugging Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenka. The singer is accused of "naivity" and "foolishness". Local activists have called on Alexander not to support the "dictator". The Russian business newspaper Vzglyad, the photo was taken during Rybak's recent two-day visit to the Belarusian capital and posted on his blog. The photo was signed as follows: "I and the President of Belarus. Thanks to him, Minsk is obe of the most beautiful and clean cities in Europe! Come and visit Minsk!".



After human rights groups like Amnesty International and Norway's Christian Democratic Youth slammed the singer, Rybak changed the photo descritpion. Now it looks like this: "I and the president of the native country".