Hello, our names are Vladimir and Nadezhda. We are artists and founders of the band Irdorath. Not indifferent Belarusians. Former political prisoners.
In 2020 we took part in peaceful protests against violence and lawlessness in our country playing music on bagpipes, supporting and inspiring Belarusians. We participated in “yard concerts” and street marches. Recorded tracks that were dedicated to our brave women and all the Belarusan people (https://youtu.be/ycB9RRQDtKc).
In August 2021, during the celebration of Nadiya's birthday, they were detained by an armed seizure group. 16 people were arrested. Some people were convicted under the administrative article for disobeying the police, and we became involved in a criminal case under Article 342 (Organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them).
Joint statements of human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Center “Viasna”, the Belarusian Association of Journalists, the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, and the Belarusian PEN Center, recognized us as political prisoners.
We were separated and given 2 years of imprisonment each. The reason was participation in protests, including playing the song “Change” on bagpipes during marches. https://youtu.be/fisg_MC98n4
After our release we were illegally banned from leaving the country, but with the help of BYSOL we managed to leave Belarus. The regime failed to break us, and we want to continue to pursue our artistic endeavors, supporting and inspiring Belarusians.
We are safe now, but need financial support.
During the time we have been in the colony, our creativity has not been forgotten thanks to you. And we intend to continue our work as soon as we feel the ground under our feet again.
How much is needed?
€10500 The funds are needed for rehabilitation after the colony and adaptation in a new country. But most of it will go to reviving our creative projects — we want to restore musical instruments and equipment to continue inspiring Belarusians.