Revenge for attempted criticism of regime? Graffiti artist severely beaten in Minsk
Two unknown individuals attacked Minsk activist and graffiti artist Aleh Larychau at the entrance hall of the block of flats he lives in.
First, the attackers made sure that Larychau was going to his flat. They knocked him down and hit in the head many times. They did not take his money or phone away.
After the attack Larychau called an ambulance and the police. The activist was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury; he got a tooth broken.
Aleh Larychau says that the attack must have been a retaliation act for his being engaged in the appearance of graffitis featuring unpopular Belarusian officials who, for example, came up with the idea of the tax on the unemployed or ordered to arrest peaceful protesters. On April 1, Larychau launched a fundraising for volunteering artists who are involved in the Signal project.
Aleh Larychau is also the organizer of the Urban Myths festival. During the event artists from all over the world painted murals on the walls of Minsk block of flats. In recognition of his social activity for the benefit of the city, the authorities placed a photo of Larychau on one of their billboards.
