Svetlana Alexievich calls on Russian intelligentsia to respond to crisis in Belarus

The Russian intelligentsia should not remain silent about the events in Belarus, says writer Svetlana Alexievich. She calls on Russian public figures to speak out in support of protesters in Belarus. The support of the Belarusian protestors by Russian public figures can prevent Moscow from interfering in the affairs of the neighbouring country, believes Ella Kesaeva, the chair of the "Voice of Beslan" Committee.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in Belarus, mass protests began after on August 9, the presidential election was held, which Alexander Lukashenko won. A number of actions in support of the Belarusian protests took place in Russia.

On September 9, Svetlana Alexievich remained the only member of the Presidium of the Coordinating Council created by the opposition, the Belarusian PEN Club's website reports.

The intelligentsia is a part of the Russian society, so the opinion of its members cannot but influence citizens, suggests Svetlana Gannushkina, the chair of the "Civic Assistance" Committee.

Ella Kesaeva also believes that the voice of the intelligentsia is noticeable in the Russian society.

Meanwhile, Caucasian expert Sergey Arutyunov suggests that the intelligentsia does not have a significant weight in the Russian society.

Boris Kodzoev, a public figure from Ingushetia, wished the protesters in Belarus to achieve their goals without casualties. "But judging by the Alexander Lukashenko's attitude, I doubt that everything will be peaceful," Boris Kodzoev summed up.

Earlier, Svetlana Alexievich has pointed out in connection with the Chechen war that, according to her, Russian citizens adhere to the imperialistic sentiments.