Letter to Steven Seagal

Open letter from Belarusian Community in France to Steven Seagal
“Please help Belarus”

9 April 2021,

Dear Mr. Seagal,

We’re writing you with an important question, as your loyal fans but also on behalf of Belarusians. We need your support and help.

Most Belarusians grew up watching your movies. We admired your strength, agility, speed and fighting techniques. As a role model, you inspired many children to practice martial arts. For us you were not just a strong fighter. You symbolized kindness, honesty, compassion and justice. You were the Light. Your characters gave hope. The real strength of heart and real human values were the most important messages behind the impressive actions of your characters.

That is why, already several years ago, many were upset to see the video of you meeting Lukashenko and him treating you to carrots and watermelon. Many wondered what this greedy and cruel man had to do with you. It pains us to see him using you just to appear nobler and to have even a small part of your good qualities.

We hope that you are aware of the horrific situation in Belarus since the last rigged elections in August 2020. Lukashenko has revealed his real face: he is openly establishing fascism and genocide against our peaceful people. With our small population of 9mln, more than 35 000 have been cruelly treated, repressed and even tortured for political reasons. At least 7 people were killed, tens died under strange circumstances and many have simply disappeared. Several minors were unjustly convicted and tortured. Over 400 journalists have been arrested. More than 300 people are now officially recognized as political prisoners and are kept in inhuman conditions. People are regularly denied their basic rights. Expressing one’s opinion, wearing clothes with red and white colors, carrying flowers, decorating one’s house with “undesired” colors or just walking outside can lead to an arrest, days in prison, fines and loss of job. People live in fear every day. Thousands of people had to flee the country. Nobody is safe.

The ferocious reaction of the regime stands in stark contrast to our peaceful protest and desire for freedom, justice and democracy. Some stories can be heard in the online documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cZY4EcTGmY. Unfortunately, in his madness, Lukashenko doesn’t want to listen to the people of the country and refuses to negotiate. Instead, he intensifies repressions to silence everyone with a different opinion.

We believe that you are on the side of Light and that you can help us in our struggle for freedom and democracy. Please, speak up against Lukashenko’s regime, urge Lukashenko to stop the violence and repressions. Urge the Belarusian security officials to stop following criminal orders. You are a real role model for them, but they haven’t understood your spiritual message yet. Remind them about their duty to protect people, about the real human values, Spirituality and Love.

Ask them to stop this horror.
We are counting on you.

Kinds regards,
Belarusian Community in France

Author: Belarusian Community in France