The FEMEN statement "RIP. The most fearless and vulnerable Oksana Shachko has left us," best sums it up.
On the 23rd of July 2018, Ms Shachko's body was found in her apartment in Paris. According to her friends, she left a suicide note.
A co-founder of the FEMEN movement in her native Ukraine (before it spread across the globe), she was self exiled in Paris, where she had exhibited her art shows, when she apparently suddenly committed suicide.
The movement was mainly known for its naked protests, in which their activists often bared their breasts, and exhibited the slogans written on their naked skin. They would try to disrupt political events or gatherings. Many of these protests were bravely taken against men who they considered to be political dictators or oppressors, but they would take feminist, or ecological viewpoints as well.
They often got beaten for their troubles. In 2011 it was claimed that Ms Shachko was among three FEMEN members seized by Belarus security officers, after staging a topless protest mocking Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, sometimes described as the last dictator in central Europe.
The Belarusian police and security officers were said to have forced the protestors to strip naked, poured oil over them, threatened to set them on fire, and then forcibly cut off their hair. She was also later hospitalised after a beating in Russia, while protesting too near President Putin.
The world is a significantly poorer place with her gone so young.
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| Oksana Shachko - Fearless And Vulnerable ... |
On the 23rd of July 2018, Ms Shachko's body was found in her apartment in Paris. According to her friends, she left a suicide note.
A co-founder of the FEMEN movement in her native Ukraine (before it spread across the globe), she was self exiled in Paris, where she had exhibited her art shows, when she apparently suddenly committed suicide.
The movement was mainly known for its naked protests, in which their activists often bared their breasts, and exhibited the slogans written on their naked skin. They would try to disrupt political events or gatherings. Many of these protests were bravely taken against men who they considered to be political dictators or oppressors, but they would take feminist, or ecological viewpoints as well.
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| Oksana Shachko - FEMEM Co-Founder - 31 January 1987 - 23rd July 2018 |
They often got beaten for their troubles. In 2011 it was claimed that Ms Shachko was among three FEMEN members seized by Belarus security officers, after staging a topless protest mocking Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, sometimes described as the last dictator in central Europe.
The Belarusian police and security officers were said to have forced the protestors to strip naked, poured oil over them, threatened to set them on fire, and then forcibly cut off their hair. She was also later hospitalised after a beating in Russia, while protesting too near President Putin.
The world is a significantly poorer place with her gone so young.
I wasn't aware of Oksana Shachko or the FEMEN movement. Thanks for posting the details.
ReplyDeleteThey were quite high profile a few years ago. They have a main HQ in France with a training centre for activists, but they have active branches in several other countries. Many of whom treat the women with violence. Thanks for the comment Vroomfondel.
DeleteFragile but brave and beautiful. A soul of light, who left a lot of sad people behind. I can't believe she was so sad that she left this World. Condolences to her many friends and family.
ReplyDeleteIt was a sad event, deserving of more comment. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteShe was very beautiful as well as brave. I cry for her family and friends.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that her death didn't get more news coverage. She deserved more. Let's hope the struggle carry's on with her as an example.
DeleteThere's no doubting that like most suicides, she left a lot of sad and baffled people behind. Thanks for the comments.
DeleteWhat a sad story. Has an inquest said anything about this?
ReplyDeleteHer Wiki page is being updated with details. Thanks for the comment.
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