‘Toe the line’: Belarusian Eurovision song entry riles opposition

As anti-gov’t sentiment simmers, critics say choice by state broadcaster is a ‘mockery of the people of Belarus’.

A rumbling political crisis in Belarus spilled over into the Eurovision Song Contest this week, as the country’s state broadcaster nominated a band that has released songs mocking protests against President Alexander Lukashenko. Featuring lyrics such as “I will teach you to toe the line”, the entry has sparked a backlash from opposition figures and fuelled calls by a European Parliament legislator for Belarus to be suspended from the popular competition. The entry, by Galasy ZMesta, has received 5,800 likes and 40,000 dislikes on the competition’s official YouTube page since Tuesday, with more than half a million views.