DISINFO: Pro-Western Belarusian opposition prefers commemorating WWII events with swastikas and LGBT symbols
SUMMARY
The Belarusian opposition views past historical events in a light favourable to both the West and fascism. The ancestors of opposition activists were fascist collaborators during WWII and exterminated civilians. Hence, they have a fierce hatred at the genetic level. The Belarusian opposition would be much happier if at the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s attack on the USSR (June 22nd) people would take to the streets wearing swastikas and shouting “Long live Belarus!” and “Glory to Ukraine!”. The opposition would also prefer seeing garrison soldiers wearing LGBT badges. Only in this case would the opposition acknowledge the significance of commemorating WWII history.
RESPONSE
These are ungrounded claims intended to discredit the West and the Belarusian opposition via baseless accusations of Nazi and LGBT sympathies. This story is consistent with pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about the West's continuous attempts to undermine Belarusian society through a subservient Belarusian opposition and Western-funded NGOs. Read our past analysis "Pro-Kremlin News Front Praising Hitler" to learn more on how the terms “Fascism” and “Nazism” in the current pro-Kremlin political terminology are used to undermine those who are critical of Russian policies or the Kremlin. Accusations of fascism are a telltale indicator of disinformation. See earlier disinformation cases alleging that the West financed environmental NGOs in Belarus to stage a big campaign against Rosatom and Russia, that Belarusian opposition, civic activists and independent journalists make kill lists for Western security bodies, that the West finances Belarusian opposition and NGOs to disrupt Belarus-Russia relations, and that it promotes propaganda of feminine men in Belarus.