Minsker, Who Raised Flag Up On Freedom Day: This Is Our Holy Symbol

Andrei Asmalouski tells about his heroic deed.

Public activist and entrepreneur Andrei Asmalouski, who, during detentions on March 25 in Yakub Kolas Square, picked up a white-red-white flag from the asphalt with the words "We raise the flag back", tells Belsat about his deed and the decision to raise the flag back up.

"I could not tolerate that our flag was trampled by some bulls in police uniform, who suppress Belarus, suppress people. I performed a symbolic deed. The flag had to be raised. Both literally and figuratively. The rally atmosphere made people fearless. Secondly, the riot police looked ridiculous enough. I even wanted to joke on them a little. Therefore, frankly speaking, it was not by chance that I said it in Russian. First of all, my words were addressed to them. This is our true flag. In fact, it symbolizes Pahonia. No matter what legends they come up with. For us it is a holy symbol, under which our ancestors defended the country that we have today."

The man was detained near a paddy wagon, but he escaped punishment.