An actor who was forced to leave Belarus after sentencing is now awaiting work authorization and urgently needs support while he is unable to earn a living.
Konstantin says he simply “could not stay aside, just like the rest of our troupe. We took part in all the street marches and neighborhood initiatives until the last large protest in December 2020.” After protest activity subsided, he continued living and working. However, he and his colleagues were dismissed from the state theater at the initiative of the administration. The troupe continued independently, and Konstantin worked both as an actor and as an administrator for quest projects.
In December 2021, officers from GUBOPiK (the Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption) came to his home wearing masks. There was a search; personal belongings and equipment were confiscated. He spent 10 days in the Okrestina detention center, followed by three months in Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1 (Volodarka). He was charged under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (participation in mass unrest).
On March 25, 2022, the court sentenced him to three years of restricted freedom without referral to a correctional facility (so-called “home chemistry”). He was also ordered to pay compensation of 25,000 Belarusian rubles for allegedly causing damage to Minsktrans.
“After the verdict was announced, I was released directly in the courtroom,” Konstantin recalls. “I spent two weeks settling my affairs. I found out whether I was allowed to leave the country and decided to leave Belarus, understanding the risk of renewed persecution.”
A month later, Konstantin arrived in Georgia and later moved to Poland on a humanitarian visa.
“For a year, I worked however I could to save money for a dream: to go to the United States and continue my acting career there,” he says. “In 2023, I tried to enter the U.S. under a humanitarian program, but I was denied boarding in Germany.” He lost all his savings – around $2,000 spent on tickets and accommodation – and was unable to recover the money. His humanitarian visa was also nearing expiration.
In summer 2025, his passport expired, and his bank account was blocked, further worsening his already fragile financial situation. He immediately applied for international protection in Poland. The procedure took several months. Recently, he received a temporary document allowing him to stay legally in the country and has applied for official work authorization. Until it is granted, he cannot work legally. Occasional short-term jobs are not enough to cover even basic needs and debts, and he now faces the risk of losing his housing.
Konstantin rents a room for 1,700 PLN per month but currently has no means to pay rent, buy food, or cover essential daily expenses.
“I have always relied on myself. The failure with the U.S. did not break me. But now, without your support, I risk ending up on the street before I even have the chance to start working. After several years in exile, this is the first time I feel on the verge of despair, and I ask for your solidarity and support.”
Fundraising goal
€1400
€800 – room rent
€600 – food and basic living expenses