In August 2020, when Belarus was engulfed in mass protests, Artem* was only 17 years old. On the night after the elections, he went outside and immediately encountered the brutality of the security forces:
«They beat me with fists, feet and batons. People were forced to lie in stacks on the floor, and the officers walked over us. In the temporary detention center, dozens of people shared a piece of bread and a sip of water», the former political prisoner shares his memories.
Then Artem was fined and a criminal case was opened, which was closed only a year later. The consequences of those events remained forever: nervous tics, anxiety, health problems.
Despite this, the young man did not give up: he entered a university and dreamed of a normal life. However, in 2024, four years after the protests, the criminal investigation department came for him again. Artem was detained immediately after undergoing surgery, with fresh stitches and in a cast.
«The security forces did not give painkillers, they deliberately hit me at the site of the operation, broke the cast and asked: «Does it hurt? That means everything is fine», the Belarusian recalls with pain.
Then there were three months in a pre-trial detention center, a trial under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (participation in mass riots) and three years of restricted freedom (put on probation). All this time, Artem's girlfriend, Yana*, was by his side and did not leave him without support, despite the constant pressure from the security forces.
«She sent packages, collected money for lawyers, lived in fear for herself and for me. She was constantly called in for questioning, threatened», Artem says. «We planned to get married, but a new criminal case and put on probation have ended our plans».
In December 2024, with the help of BYSOL, Artem managed to evacuate first to Lithuania, and then to Poland. After his departure, Yana herself became the object of close attention from the security forces, also left Belarus and the couple was able to reunite.
Now the young people are together again and want to officially register their marriage. The new family status will help Yana and Artem to obtain international protection. But in order to get married, they need to go to Denmark, because Poland requires documents from the registry office, which the young people cannot provide. While Artem works alone, the money he earns is barely enough for housing and food, and a trip to register the marriage and documents requires additional funds, which are not available now.
Therefore, young Belarusians ask for support to start a new life in which there will be a place for love and peace, and not fear.
How much is needed?
€2800
€1200 — trip to Denmark, marriage registration and paperwork;
€1800 — rent for two months and a deposit;
€1000 — paperwork, translations and daily expenses.
*This is an anonymous story. For security purposes, we have changed the hero's name. The image is generated using AI.