Ales Papkovich is a musician, artist, and former political prisoner. After spending two years in a penal colony and being forced into exile, he is now seeking international protection in Poland and needs help paying for legal assistance.
My name is Ales Papkovich. I am a musician and visual artist, and a former political prisoner.
Before 2020, I had several musical projects. I performed in clubs in Minsk, wrote and recorded my own songs. Over time, organizing concerts in Belarus became increasingly difficult. Eventually, I was effectively banned from performing — without explanation, I was simply no longer issued the official touring permit required for concerts.
At the same time, I worked in the IT field, creating 2D and 3D animation for studios and game companies. I have more than 10 years of experience in this field.
In 2020, my brothers and I participated in peaceful marches and protests. I was detained and sentenced to 12 days of administrative arrest.
In 2022, I was preparing to move to Poland. Performing in Belarus had become impossible, repression was intensifying, and Poland offered the opportunity to work in my profession. However, one day before my departure, security forces broke into my home. I was beaten, my equipment and phone were confiscated, and I was arrested.
I was charged under Article 342 of the Criminal Code of Belarus for a photograph from a protest march in 2020. Eventually, I was sentenced to two years in a penal colony.
After my release in June 2024, I immediately left Belarus due to ongoing persecution. The departure was urgent. I went to Poland, where my family was already living. At the time, I only had a Lithuanian visa, which was the only way for me to leave the country quickly.
After arriving, I received initial support from BYSOL, which helped cover basic expenses during the first months — rent, food, and the tools I needed to start working again. That support gave me a chance to begin my life from scratch.
In Poland, I applied for international protection. Like many Belarusians, I faced a long waiting period for a decision. During this time, I was not allowed to work legally or earn money. Meanwhile, the migration authorities decided to transfer my case to Lithuania under the Dublin Regulation.
Fortunately, this decision was successfully appealed thanks to the support of many people. On January 29, 2026, the Voivodeship Administrative Court in Warsaw overturned the decision to transfer my case to Lithuania and sent it back for reconsideration in Poland.
However, until a final decision on my international protection and work permit is made, I remain in a vulnerable position. While the legal procedures continue, I cannot legally work or pay for legal assistance.
Part of the lawyer’s services — the lawyer who represented me in court — remains unpaid: €1,500. At the moment, I am unable to cover this amount on my own.
I would be deeply grateful for any support that will allow me to pay for the lawyer’s work, complete the international protection process, and return to a normal life and work in Poland.
Fundraising Goal
€1500
To cover legal services related to the Dublin Regulation case.