Denis Spiridovich was forced to flee Belarus. He is now in Poland without the right to work and is fighting for the chance to reunite with his husband. The funds are needed for legal assistance, document processing, and basic living expenses during this process.
My name is Denis Spiridovich, I am from Hrodna, Belarus. I have been in a relationship for over 12 years with former political prisoner Vadzim Yermashuk. I have always supported my husband – a blogger and activist who has openly spoken out and continues to speak out against the dictatorship and for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Since 2015, I have taken part in every protest action in Belarus, and for that both of us were repeatedly persecuted by the Belarusian authorities.
In Belarus, I lived an ordinary life: I worked and helped my partner in his activist activities. We dreamed of a normal life without fear. But instead, we faced constant threats, searches, and arrests.
My life changed drastically after my husband Vadzim was sentenced to three years in prison on fabricated political charges. The Human Rights Centre “Viasna” recognised him as a political prisoner. While he was behind bars, I stayed in his apartment, which was repeatedly searched by law enforcers.
On 11 September 2024, shortly after Vadzim was released from the correctional facility, I was detained by officers of the anti-extremism unit (GUBOPiK). I was subjected to violence and unlawfully sentenced to 11 days of administrative arrest. After my release, a criminal case was opened against me for “participation in an extremist entity.” In November 2024, I was forced to undergo a humiliating court-ordered psychiatric examination simply because I am an openly gay man.
These events became a point of no return: I realised that I no longer had safety or a future in Belarus. In early 2025, I managed to escape to Lithuania.
I am now in Poland, trying to rebuild my life from scratch – I arrived with nothing but a backpack. Everything I had – my phone, computer, personal belongings – was confiscated during the searches.
I have no right to work (since I received international protection in Lithuania), but I must stay in Poland near my husband, who is undergoing treatment after the repression he suffered. I applied to the Lithuanian Migration Service for permission to reunite with my spouse but was refused by the Republic of Poland. We are now facing a lengthy appeal process that will require significant legal costs.
I am forced to stay in Poland as a guest, without the right to work, but near my husband. This is the only alternative – otherwise, we would have to live apart, in two different countries.
Every day is a struggle for survival and a hope that we will be reunited and able to start a new life without fear.
I never imagined I would find myself in a situation where I would have to ask for help from people who do not even know me personally. But today this is the only way to continue fighting for my life and freedom, to keep supporting my husband, and to start over.
Please support me in this difficult time. Even a small contribution brings me closer to a new life.
Fundraising goal
€2850
€1500 – legal assistance and appeal submission for the family reunification case
€450 – administrative and migration procedures (notary, translations, transport, document processing)
€900 – minimum living expenses for housing and food during the process