Eight Ukrainian football fans were arrested in Minsk, the capital of Belarus for chanting anti-Putin messages. One of the eight football fans involved in the incident in Belarus was arrested for ten days, because he also had a fascist symbol, the swastika on his clothing. Other seven people were arrested for five days for using foul language. This incident took place during the Euro 2016 qualifier between Ukraine and Belarus. Among the arrested, there were Belorussian fans as well.
During the Euro 2016 qualifier between Ukraine and Belarus, football fans from both sides joined together in an enthusiastic rendition of a well-known song, famous for its expression of opposition towards Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. Fans from Belarus also chanted in solidarity with their Ukrainian neighbors the signature slogan of the protest held on the Maidan, in Kiev, the song “Slava Ukrayini”, which translates into “Glory to Ukraine”. Ukrainians returned the favor and chanted Zhyve Belarus – “Long live Belarus”. Right after the football match, approximately 100 Ukrainians and 30 Belorussians were arrested and taken down to the KGB station. Eventually, seven of the Ukrainian football fans were arrested for five days, for using inappropriate language. Four other Ukrainians were fined.
This incident is not the first one involving anti-Putin and anti-Russia chants. In Russia, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andriy Deshchytsya was asked to resign in June, after he had taken part in the protests in Kiev and having insulted Vladimir Putin. Authorities in Moscow are very strict when it comes to foul language. In April, the Parliament passed a law which forbids swearing in art, including movies and music. The law imposes fines for swearing in movies, plays, concerts and even shows. Citizens who use foul language in public face penalties up to 2,500 roubles ($70), while officials who do so, have to pay double. In 2013, Russia passed another law which restricted the use of profanities in the media. Fines in this case go up to 200,000 rubles as well as the confiscation of equipment. Even classic movies from the Russian cinema, which have not been known for their use of profanity, have suffered censorship. One example is the Soviet comedy “Garage”.