Artist Uladzimir Tsesler stands up for a xeno from Rosson.

The madness of the authorities has reached its apogee.

Famous Belarusian artist Uladzimir Tsesler has stood up for Catholic priest from Rassony Viachaslau Barok, who is accused of propaganda of Nazi symbols or attributes under Article 17.10 of the CAO. The case was initiated because the priest posted a poster by Tsesler in social networks. The artist stresses that his work has a strong "anti-fascist orientation".

We remind that in August, Viachaslau Barok, a priest from Rassony, published a poster by Uladzimir Tsesler in social networks. On December 1, the priest learned in the local police station that he was accused of propagating Nazi symbols or attributes (Article 17.10 of the Code of Administrative Offences). On the same day a trial in this case was held and the hearing was suspended until 3 December.

Uladzimir Tsesler posted an appeal in social networks to defend Viachaslau Barok.

- I, Uladzimir Tsesler, member of the Belarusian Union of Artists, Jew, author of the work "Stop Lukashism," declare that the image used in my work has a direct anti-fascist orientation.

Interpretation of this work as propaganda or demonstration of Nazi and fascist symbols is ridiculous and absurd due to the direct anti-fascist nature of this work.

The history of my family and father, who came through the war and was awarded orders and medals for fighting fascism, as well as the history of all Jewish and Belarusian peoples, is the history of anti-fascist resistance. We bewail all the victims of fascism on the territory of Belarus and do not want the citizens of our country to be persecuted for their disagreement with the state ideology.

As a citizen of my country, I cannot remain silent. I express my attitude to what is happening in Belarus through creativity, in artistic images, in my paintings and posters.

The fact that the appearance of my anti-fascist work on the Internet page of priest Viachaslau Barok is regarded as a demonstration of Nazi symbols is perplexing and contradicts my artistic plan when creating my work. The anti-fascist position of the Catholic Church is obvious for everyone who has eyes, mind and heart.

The Rassony District Court will continue consideration of this case on December 3 at 15.30.

Viachaslau Barok himself believes that the administrative proceedings against him have been politically motivated.

- Senior detective of the investigation department Haurylau, as he said, guided by his personal opinion, noticed a post published in August in my social networks on November 25. He thinks that I placed a swastika, a Nazi symbol. I explained that I had placed the work of famous artist Uladzimir Tsesler "Stop Lukashenka", not a German swastika. I am against fascism, communism, any totalitarian regime. I posted this placard protesting against violence in the country," - Viachaslau Barok stated.

The Catholic priest runs his channel on YouTube. He discusses politics, among other things, in his sermons.