Good afternoon!
My name is Alexander Suzko. I have lived in Mozyr since birth, worked as a bartender-waiter in the Palace of Culture and in the restaurant “Vasilki”. In addition to work I had a part-time job, which became my big hobby — I worked as a symbol of the Mozyr soccer team “Slavia”. In the “SlaFka” eagle costume I traveled to away games with my team for six years and a couple of times even made it to the “golden seasons” (I attended absolutely all the matches of the team).
In 2020, I actively participated in peaceful protests. I was at all the rallies starting on August 9. It was incredible — I met so many nice and smiling people during the peaceful protests like I had never seen before.
And I had no idea that a person could be criminalized for participating in peaceful rallies! I did not delete any photos or correspondence. My detention was very unexpected for me and my relatives. I just returned from the sanatorium, where I was vacationing with my son, as the next day in the morning they came to me. On May 4, 2021, when I was going to work, the intercom rang. I went out to the entrance, and there I was detained by GUBOPiK with SOBR. During the detention, I hardly understood what was happening. It was a nightmare in the TDF cell where they put me. I had never been in such terrible conditions.
I was charged under Articles 342 and 364 (Article 342 of the Criminal Code — organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order or active participation in them; Article 364 of the Criminal Code — violence or threat of violence against an employee of the internal affairs bodies) and sentenced to three years in prison.
I still can't believe that I served the whole term of 3 years for nothing! I was released at the end of December 2023. But I was not left alone and police officers constantly came to check on me. And one day I had to leave. I could not allow myself to be behind bars again!
Now I have fulfilled the minimum program — I saved my life, I am at liberty and feel safe. However, I had to leave Belarus very quickly and with a minimum of things. At present I found myself without means of subsistence in a foreign country and I am trying to start my life anew. I am embarrassed to ask you, dear compatriots, but I need elementary things that everyone should have in order to feel confident and stand on their feet — some money for housing, food and clothes, a telephone.
I will be very grateful for any help you can give me!
How much is needed?
€2950
€1500 — rent for 4 months
€500 — food for 4 months
€300 — clothes
€150 — telephone
€500 — incidental expenses