I was placed on preventive watch as a “person prone to extremism and other destructive activities” because of my participation in the protests. I was forced to wear a yellow tag (these are very often given to “extremist” political prisoners), because of which I was effectively deprived of care packages, calls to family members, and all types of visits. However, no new criminal cases were opened against me. Later, I understood why.
Because my charge was non-political, I was not included in the lists of human rights defenders. So when political prisoners started being released, despite my “extremist status,” I did not even have a chance to get out earlier. And when my non-political article fell under the amnesty, they “fabricated” several violations for me. That is how I received the status of a “malicious violator of the regime.” Amnesty and parole for prisoners with such a status are practically impossible.
In total, I spent about four years in the correctional facility. During that time, my father died. He had been taking care of my mother, who had suffered a stroke.
When there were only a few days left before my release, my mother had another stroke. She was resuscitated, but complications appeared — kidney problems. She can barely walk. She needs recovery, care, food, and personal hygiene products. Right now, my mother has a second-degree disability, and we are trying to obtain first-degree disability for her, but that takes time and a huge number of bureaucratic procedures.
My own health also deteriorated during my time in the correctional facility. My teeth were badly damaged, a tumor appeared in my chest, and I underwent surgery.
Unfortunately, because of my bedridden mother and my own condition, I cannot find permanent work. Because of this, I feel anxious: how do I return and adapt to life, how do I regain faith in myself, and how do I properly organize my life?
I decided to ask for help; the girls who served their sentence together with me supported me and can confirm everything I have written**.
I really hope that my story will find a response in your hearts, and that you will be able to help me in this difficult life situation. This will give me temporary support until I can recover and find a job. I also hope that soon I myself will be able to become the person who is ready to help victims of repression.
* This is an anonymous story. For security reasons, we changed the heroine’s name and some details.
** Darya’s words were confirmed to BYSOL by two former political prisoners who served their sentence together with her. They confirmed that the woman was placed on preventive watch already in the correctional facility as someone prone to extremism and other destructive activities.
Fundraiser amount:
€3000
€900 – Darya’s treatment and recovery
€800 – care for her mother
€900 – living and basic expenses for 3 months
€400 – recovery and getting back to stability