Photo: Dirk Skiba
It is with deep sorrow that we announce that on July 19, 2026, after a long battle with cancer, Belarusian journalist and writer Sviatlana Kurs, best known by her literary pen name Eva Viežnaviec, passed away.
Sviatlana was one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Belarusian literature. She worked in independent Belarusian journalism, contributed to leading independent Belarusian media outlets, and authored the books The Path of the Petty Scum and, most notably, What Are You Going For, Wolf?, which received the Jerzy Giedroyc Literary Award and became an important part of contemporary Belarusian culture.
Today, we are launching this fundraiser at the request of Sviatlana's family. They wish to give a dignified farewell to a person who devoted her entire life to the Belarusian language, literature, and independent journalism.
A public memorial ceremony will be held in Warsaw. The exact time and location will be announced separately by the family. Afterwards, Sviatlana's body will be transported to Belarus, where all the necessary formalities will be completed before she is laid to rest in her homeland.
To make this possible, the family has already been forced to take out a loan. This fundraiser has been launched to help repay those expenses.
If you have read Sviatlana's books, if her words once gave you strength, made you reflect, or helped you better understand Belarus, today you have an opportunity to support her family.
Thank you to everyone who helps give Sviatlana Kurs the farewell she deserves.
Fundraising goal
€6000
€2000 – organization of the public memorial ceremony in Warsaw
€2200 – repatriation of Sviatlana's body from Poland to Belarus
€800 – preparation of the necessary documents and consular permits
€1000 – funeral arrangements in Belarus