Minsk's 'Tower of Evil' Demolished: End of an Era

Minsk's 'Tower of Evil' Falls Silent: Demolition of Soviet-Era Jamming Antenna Underway Minsk, Belarus – A significant piece of Cold War history is being dismantled in the heart of Minsk. The demolition of a Soviet-era antenna, long known as the "tower of evil" by locals, is currently underway near St. Roch's Church. This tall structure, erected shortly after World War II, played a crucial role in jamming broadcasts from Western radio stations such as Radio Free Europe and Voice of America during the USSR era. Its strategic location near St. Roch's Church on Zolotaya Gorka added to its historical significance. "They used it to silence enemy voices," explained a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recalling the antenna's function during the Soviet period. After the collapse of the USSR, the antenna was repurposed as a cell tower. However, in 2018, the property, including the antenna, was transferred to the church for redevelopment. At that time, two plans were considered: converting it into an observation deck or demolition. The ongoing demolition now suggests the second option has been chosen. The demolition is more than just the removal of an old structure; it marks the end of an era, symbolizing the changing landscape of post-Soviet Belarus and the fading echoes of the Cold War.