On August 10, 2020 in Navapolatsk, where I lived at the time, protesters gathered against the rigged elections. At some point, a minibus drove up from the side of the square, from which people in black ammunition came out one by one. A few seconds later there was the first explosion and immediately another — flash-bang grenades were flying into the crowd.
My father and I found ourselves in the epicenter of the fighting. In the darkness it was difficult to make out where the shots were coming from and where they were going. However, when we saw that the attackers had turned in our direction, we started to run.
Suddenly there was an explosion in front of me! A flash of light, a deafening sound. Then tinnitus and pain in my left leg. It felt like there were shards of my shin. Blinded and concussed I thought I was dying. I passed out several times from the pain.
When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics forbade me to look at my leg, it was so bruised. I was also found to have other wounds — in the hospital surgeons took out grenade fragments from under my right breast, and there was a burn under my left breast.
On the way home, my father, brother and I were stopped by the police. Despite the fact that I was covered in bandages and could hardly walk, they forced us into a car and took us to the GOVD (City Department of Internal Affairs — BYSOL note). There we were interrogated and held for several hours before finally being released.
The horror, shock and pain that I experienced then have not let me go for three years. I hoped that I would eventually get over my problems, but it didn't get any better — I still don't sleep well and I get panic attacks regularly.
In order to get back to normal, I have enrolled in a psychotherapy course. However, I need financial help to pay for it.
How much is needed?
€1000
€500 — 10 sessions of DPDH psychotherapy (a method of psychotherapy developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder caused by experiencing stressful events such as violence or participation in hostilities)
€500 — other expenses
[BYSOL Foundation has all supporting medical documents].