Belarusian activist Viktoria Kutuzova fled the country after torture and threats by security forces. Today she lives in exile in Georgia and urgently needs support to restore her health and survive.
Viktoria lived in Minsk, repaired musical instruments, took part in creative projects, and worked as a freelance content manager. Before the events of 2020, she never stayed on the sidelines of what was happening in Belarus.
“I didn’t consider myself a political activist, but I had an active civic position,” she recalls. “In 2020, like many Belarusians, I couldn’t stay indifferent. First of all, in public conversations and discussions, explaining to others what was happening in the country.”
Because of her sympathy for and support of the LGBT community, Viktoria avoided open participation in street protests, understanding that under growing repression any attention from security forces would be dangerous. However, in 2023 she was attacked right on the street because of symbols supporting Ukraine. Viktoria had to seek medical help.
“The incident was recorded as a criminal case, which drew police attention to me,” Viktoria says. “They checked my phone and found ‘extremist’ materials. The result was 13 days of administrative arrest under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Code.”
A person who comes into the sight of the security forces for political reasons, especially with an LGBT background, remains under constant threat. At the end of January 2024, amid mass checks of people who had received help from mutual aid initiatives, GUBOPiK officers burst into Viktoria’s apartment.
“At first they beat me at home, then took me to GUBOPiK,” the Belarusian woman recalls. “It was hell there. I was literally tortured, including with an electric shocker. They beat me so badly that they broke my ribs, damaged my teeth, and left burns. They recorded a ‘repentance’ video and threw me into Okrestina for 12 days – without medical assistance, with injuries and fractures.”
“After my release, they told me directly: next time it will end even worse.”
Staying in Belarus became deadly dangerous for the LGBT activist. It was clear that the next step would be a criminal case. In spring 2024, at the insistence of loved ones, Viktoria left the country and moved to Georgia. She now lives in Batumi.
“Emigration didn’t bring me stability,” Viktoria says. “Over the past year I was robbed and lost my money and phone. On top of that, a Belarusian bank blocked my card for ‘suspicious activity,’ and I lost access to my own funds without a personal visit to the country.”
“After what was done to me, any knock on the door causes panic.”
At the same time, her work tools began to fail – a laptop and an audio interface – without which Viktoria cannot earn a living. Combined with the consequences of torture and constant stress, this led to a nervous breakdown. Problems with housing followed. Today Viktoria is in a severe financial and psychological condition: her income barely covers food and medicine; she lives with the consequences of injuries, experiences intense anxiety and depressive episodes.
“This is the first time I’m asking for help, but without your support I don’t know how I will survive the coming months: keep my housing, restore the ability to work, and undergo necessary medical examinations, including treatment of injuries from beatings and a dentist consultation,” the Belarusian woman says. “Your support is a matter of survival for me. I truly believe in solidarity.”
Fundraising goal
€2000
€700 – housing rent and utilities
€500 – medicines and medical care
€800 – restoring basic work equipment and communication