YouTube removed the video in which a state-run TV channel used the band’s song without permission.
The documentary White Legion of Black Souls was deleted from the YouTube channel of Belarus 1’s news programme ATN News in Belarus and the World. The video, presented by Belarusian propagandists as a documentary investigation, was about a police operation to prevent provocations they allegedly expected in Minsk on March 25. Huge numbers of police were deployed in central Minsk during the traditional rally. More than 1,000 people were detained for no reasons.
State ideologists explained the move with the measures aimed at maintaining stability and preventing mass disorders. The authorities launched a criminal case against former activists of a patriotic organisation that was closed 10 years ago. The television channel made a film to present the story to the public.
Authors of the video used the song Verabei (Sparrow) by folk fantasy band Irdorath without the band’s permission, thus violating copyright laws. Vladimir, the band’s co-founder, told RFE/RL's Belarus Service that the musicians filed a complaint against the TV channel. He said the band didn’t want its music to be used for propaganda, moreover, for promoting the views the musicians strongly oppose.
“We have never associated our music with politics, let alone with state propaganda. We would never agree to permit out music to be used in this sort of content. Our music mustn’t be there. Our name mustn’t be there,” the band’s representative said.
However, Vladimir and other band members don’t think it makes sense to sue the state-run channel. The musicians are satisfied with YouTube’s quick reaction to their copyright infringement notification and don’t plan to go to court.
Photo: Irdorath Fantasy-Folk Band
Subscribe to our mailing list: