Belarus opens legal case against comedian Vyacheslav KomissarenkoCEFR B1
22 Aug 2024
Adapted from Daria Dergacheva, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Andrew Keymaster, Unsplash
The Investigative Committee of Belarus has opened special legal proceedings against Vyacheslav Komissarenko, charging him with defamation and insult of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Komissarenko is currently living abroad.
He became known for outspoken criticism of the Belarusian regime after the 2020 protests. His comedy often targets Lukashenka and the leadership. Komissarenko helped popularize the "Chyk-Chyryk" meme and has told the story that led to the phrase: "Oh really, then I'll fly myself! Chyk-Chyryk."
Video material showed him using the phrase and mocking Lukashenka's education and imagination. While in exile he gave an interview to Russian journalist Yuri Dud. He also said that Belarusian security forces were searching for his parents and that he received phone calls and text messages from security services.
Komissarenko left Belarus for Russia and then left Russia in 2022 because he feared possible persecution. He later moved to Kyiv after saying the KGB put him on a wanted list. In April 2023 he said Germany denied him a humanitarian visa. He later obtained a talent visa to the United States. It is not yet clear what legal steps will follow in Belarus.
Difficult words
- defamation — a false statement that harms someone's reputation
- insult — an offensive remark that hurts someone
- outspoken — speaks honestly and directly about problems
- regime — the group that controls a country's government
- exile — living away from your home country for safety
- persecution — violent or unfair treatment because of beliefs
- humanitarian visa — permission to enter a country for urgent help
- talent visa — permission to enter a country for special skills
- mock — show lack of respect by copying or making funmocking
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think comedy is an effective way to criticize political leaders? Why or why not?
- Based on Komissarenko's story, what reasons might make someone apply for different visas in other countries?
- If a citizen faces legal charges at home while living abroad, how should the host country and the home country handle the situation?
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