At the elections I decided to become an independent observer. I was struck by the number of violations and the huge number of Belarusians who came to vote wearing white bracelets. And like millions of Belarusians, I was outraged by the so-called official election results! And then came the violence in the streets, in the Minsk temporary detention facility, and in other police departments. For me, it was simply unbearable!
I could not remain silent and hide away. I joined the marches, distributed independent newspapers, helped people. The police were probably keeping track of activists and observers, because soon I was arrested on an “administrative case.” The first time ended with a fine. But the second arrest turned into a criminal case.
In November 2020, the traffic police stopped my car. Inside were 800 copies of the unregistered newspaper Mogilev News. The next day I was arrested, and my home was searched.
As a result, I was charged under Part 2 of Article 339 (hooliganism) and Article 368 (insulting Lukashenko) of the Criminal Code. I and two other people were accused of making “six life-size dolls with cynical inscriptions and images of high-ranking officials…, photographing them and distributing the pictures online.”
On April 19, 2021, I was sentenced to three and a half years in a correctional facility. I would not wish anyone to end up in such a place. It is a small island of total lack of freedom in an already unfree state. During those three and a half years there was everything: pressure from the prison administration, deprivation of visits and other basic minimums due in the correctional facility, and, as the icing on the cake – twice I ended up in a punishment cell for five days. Fortunately, I managed to remain unbroken in spirit despite the circumstances. In the end, I served the full prison term and on February 2, 2024, I was released from the correctional facility.
After my release I tried to live in Belarus, but after some time I realized that I was not living but merely existing, because I had not been released into freedom but into another prison, only a bit larger. The decision to leave was difficult for me, but I understood that if I stayed, I would simply get sick and die.
Eventually, I left Belarus for Poland. I have been here for two months, living in a shelter and literally starting a new life in emigration. I left without a cash cushion, since back in 2020 my sole proprietorship was fined heavily, and the rest of my savings went to the lawyer and my children. Because I applied for international protection, I cannot work and am awaiting a decision.
Now I am addressing all compassionate people with a request for help, so that, without the possibility to work, I can survive the first months, adapt, and recover.
The year 2020 showed that we have each other, and my faith in our people did not fade even for a second, not even in the correctional facility. I very much hope that with your help I will be able to recover and then myself help others who find themselves in difficult situations. Thank you, my dear ones! You are the best in the world!
Fundraising goal:
€2500
€1500 – housing rent
€500 – clothing, shoes, and basic necessities
€300 – paperwork
€200 – mobile communication and transportation