The politician was imprisoned twice, the second time sentenced to 2.5 years under the “people’s” Article 342 of the Criminal Code of Belarus. He was released in July 2024 and left Belarus that autumn due to the threat of another arrest.
Hello! The BYSOL fundraising team is here. Today we want to share the story of Mikalai Kazlou, who has turned to us for support.
Mikalai Kazlou is the head of the United Civic Party. Back in 2008, he left his position in the criminal investigation department, where he had served for 17 years, and joined the UCP. In 2018, he became its chairman. In 2020, the politician served as a trusted representative of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. For that, he was imprisoned twice — in 2021 and 2022. The second time, he was sentenced to 2.5 years of imprisonment. Almost the entire term he spent in isolation — without contact with the outside world, without care packages, without medical assistance, and without even basic living conditions.
After his release, he stayed in Belarus for almost a year, hoping to live quietly. But constant surveillance and the threat of another arrest forced Mikalai to leave. He is now in Belgium, where he has applied for international protection. It is unclear how long the process will take, but during this time he will have no possibility to work or receive financial support.
For Mikalai, this situation is extremely difficult. Two years in prison severely damaged his health: he suffers from arrhythmia, hypertension, and chronic insomnia. His eyesight and hearing deteriorated during imprisonment, and the most serious issue is his teeth — he lost almost all of them while in the correctional facility and now cannot eat, speak, or smile normally. He has reached out to several initiatives for help with dental prosthetics.
But dental treatment is not the only need. Other health problems must also be addressed, all while starting life anew in a foreign country. Donations will help cover basic housing and food expenses, as well as necessary medicines.
“After my release, I stayed in Belarus for almost a year — I didn’t want to leave; it’s my country,” says Mikalai. “While I was imprisoned, my mother died. Not only did they not let me attend the funeral — they didn’t even deliver the telegram she had sent me the day before her death. I found out later, after the burial. I’m not ready to forgive them for that. And I’m not ready to give up my country either. I plan to keep fighting. But for now, I really need support. If you can help, I would be deeply grateful.”
Fundraising goal
€4000
€2500 – rent for several months
€1500 – living expenses, medication, and food