Yevgeny Skochko is someone people remember from the late 1990s. One of the leaders of the “Malady Front,” he was bright, charismatic, and courageous. He organized street protests, for which he was detained and faced criminal prosecution back in the days when Belarusian society was only beginning to learn how to resist dictatorship.
But for many years, Yevgeny was no longer involved in politics. He lived in Gomel, worked as a lawyer, raised his children, and helped people.
At the end of 2025, Yevgeny was detained. He was sentenced to 3 years in a penal colony under four articles: “assistance to extremist activity,” “slander against Lukashenko,” “insulting Lukashenko,” and “discrediting Belarus.” The reason for the prosecution was comments on the internet.
Today, Yevgeny is being held in Pre-Trial Detention Center No. 3 in Gomel. In April 2026, the Supreme Court upheld the sentence, and soon he will be transferred to a penal colony.
We are especially concerned about his health.
After a severe case of COVID in 2020, Yevgeny developed serious spinal problems. He has instability of the cervical vertebrae and needs to wear a special neck brace and undergo regular treatment. He also suffers from hypertension: his blood pressure can rise to 200, so he constantly takes medication. Because of his spinal problems, he often experiences dizziness, may lose balance, and fall. In recent months, his eyesight has also significantly worsened—the lighting in the cell is poor, but Yevgeny continues to read a lot.
In the detention center, he is still able to receive the medications he needs. But what will happen in the colony is unknown.
At the same time, Yevgeny himself tries not to complain. He says he will endure it and that people should not worry too much about him.
Yevgeny has four children. His family has been left without a husband, father, and source of support. Ahead lies the transfer to the colony, parcels, medication, basic necessities, and simply the need to hold on through this situation.
We ask you to help Yevgeny Skochko and his family get through this difficult time.
With great respect,
Yevgeny’s friends.
Fundraising goal
€4500
€2500 – support for the family and children for several months
€500 – medication and health support, supplies for spinal problems
€1500 – parcels to the colony: food, hygiene products, warm clothes, and necessities