My name is Andrei Sikidin, I am 52 years old and I’m from Pinsk. Back in May 2020, together with other residents of Pinsk, we started organizing gatherings and rallies. On August 9, after the polling stations closed, we gathered near the city executive committee building, where a clash with the police occurred.
At night, riot police from Minsk were flown in by helicopter to Pinsk, and harsh arrests began. I was also seized and taken to the city police department. All of us –there were dozens—were placed in the shooting range of the Pinsk city police department. For three days, we were beaten by local law enforcers. Then there was a mock trial where I was fined 20 base units. I signed the record and was released: beaten, with torn clothes and a seriously injured arm.
After that, the pressure began. They came to my home, searched for me, called me in, summoned me to the police. Law enforcers came to the neighbors, then showed up at my workplace. The construction site owner where I worked said he “didn’t want any trouble” and fired me. Suddenly, I was left without a job, realizing I could be detained at any moment, so I decided to leave the country.
In December 2020, I left for Ukraine and later moved to Poland. Here in Warsaw, I applied for international protection. In December 2021, I was granted it –apparently because, by that time, a criminal case had been opened against me in Belarus.
In Poland, I started working right away – first in construction, then in food delivery. During all these four and a half years, I never asked for or received any help.
On May 15, 2025, while delivering an order on a scooter, I was hit by a car. The driver didn’t even stop to help and fled the scene. It was raining, the road was slick, and I couldn’t make out the license plate due to the shock. I made it to the hospital on my own. I was admitted to surgery immediately due to multiple fractures. A metal rod was inserted in my arm for one year.
I will spend three months in a cast and cannot work. I used to support myself and help my friends however I could – but now, it’s physically impossible.
I am asking for help to get through this difficult period of recovery. I have no savings and no insurance. What I urgently need is coverage for dormitory rent, food, medicine, and wound care. I will be grateful to everyone who supports me!
Fundraising Goal
€2500
€1000 – medical rehabilitation and medicine
€750 – food and basic living expenses
€750 – accommodation for 3–4 months