Sweden/Belarus – The winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, Loreen, has caused some stir in her home country Sweden, when was made public that she will perform at a festival in Belarus, which will be opened by notorious dictator Alexander Lukashenko. At this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Loreen had not only been praised for her performance on stage but also for the fact that she was the only competing artist to meet the Azeri opposition.
This created a small diplomatic crisis between Sweden and Azerbaijan. The Azeri government summoned the Swedish ambassador to tell him that Loreen was not supposed to be political. During her winner’s press conference Loreen also said that her dance moves were supposed to symbolize “freedom”. However, now the Swedish press and several public figures criticize Loreen’s decision to perform in Belarus.
She will be one of the headliners of the art festival Slavianski Bazaarheld inVitebsk, which will also feature former
Alexander Lukashenko (c) wikipedia
Eurovision winner Alexander Rybak of Belarussian origins and this year’s Russian Eurovision entrants, the Buranovskiye Babushki. The festival has some dubious connections to Lukaschenko’s government, which is often called the last dictatorship in Europe. The authoritarian president will also open the festival and most likely be present for the performances.
Amnesty International in Sweden voiced their concern that Loreen may be exploited for political propganda. “If Loreen takes a stand and comments on the human rights situation, then something positive can come out of the visit. If she doesn’t make her views known, then she risks becoming part of some PR stunt for the president. Artists should always bear in mind that they can be exploited by a surpressive regime,” said AI’s press secretary Elisabeth Löfgren.
Loreen’s manager told Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet: “Loreen is acutely aware of the situation in Belarus, and she is unchanged in her views on human rights and democracy. She won’t be making any statement whilst in Belarus but will however be commenting on the matter when she returns to Sweden.”
What do you think? Should Loreen cancel her appereance at the festival?
Sources= aftonbladet.se, eurovisionary.com
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So there are different standards for Loreen and Rybak, just because he’s Belarussian`? Imena.. there must be a reason he doesn’t live there any more.. why perform for a dictator…
I feel it is a little unfair that she is being criticised for performing at this festival, whilst Alexander Rybak isn’t.
Rybak did not critisize Azerbaijan and did not go political, so he can do what he want’s where he wants and not be discussed. Since when ESC has become a political tool??? But Loreen has some ambitions in driving certain political agenda therefore her appearance in Belarus cannot be viewed without some judgement. if she makes some comments on democratic rights there, then at least she will show her consistency, if not – she worth no praise and no admiration for her “efforts” in Baku
Ahahaha… So, what Ms Löfgren says is basically this: if she goes political and takes a stand, then it’s OK – but if she keeps away from politics, then we should all consider her even more political because she doesn’t promote “our view” which is “something positive”! What hypocrisy… Pathetic… Slavianski bazaar is and should be a musical event! Let the woman sing if she wants to and speak out if she wants to – don’t YOU tell her what she ought to do!
That festival is great and many good singers are there every year, i really don’t see the problem! GOSH! :/
It looks like some Newspapers can’t find other Topics to be angry about;)
Loreen should go to Belarus. She will sing for the Audition & not for the Dictator.
not a big deal
Yawn.