Belarus disqualified from Eurovision over anti-protest song

Galasy ZMesta song sparks backlash from opposition figures, who have faced a violent crackdown during demonstrations

Organisers of this year's Eurovision song contest have disqualified Belarus, ruling that its entry song - by a band whose lyrics have been deemed in the past to mock anti-government protests - is in breach of competition guidelines.

Earlier this month the organisers rejected an entry by Belarus, which has been gripped by political crisis since August last year, as the submitted song mocked protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.