Ideology official comments on concert bans in Minsk

Minsk ideologists have banned about a dozen concerts of world famous and Russian rappers in the past few months. Minskers could not attend the concerts of Die Antwoord, Face, Eljay, Schokk, RSAC, AIGEL and other musicians. The official reason for the bans was 'low artistic quality.'

Why do officials decide what we can listen to? Euroradio has posed this question to senior deputy head of the Chief Ideology, Culture and Youth Affairs Department Vitalina Rudzikava.

Euroradio: We have a question about the concerts forbidden in Minsk.

Vitalina Rudzikava: We do not forbid anything.

Eurordaio: Mink City Executive Committee is being criticized for refusing famous rap bands the right to give concerts in the city. Wouldn’t it be easier to change the approach and allow only those who are older than 18 at those concerts?

Vitalina Rudzikava: “There is the Law on Culture. It contains the procedure that can be used to cancel concerts. The Law on Advertising contains the age restrictions.”

Euroradio: “People are irritated because of the wording ‘low artistic quality’”.

Vitalina Rudzikava: This is indicated in the law. An art council is working on it. Everything can be found in the Law on Culture. You can read it.”

The official switched her phone after this.