My name is Alexander [name changed for security reasons, BYSOL Foundation has all supporting documents]. I am a former political prisoner.
In 2020, I marched in all marches except when I was in Zhodina prison. I was convicted under Articles 23.34 (Violation of the order of organizing or holding mass events) and 23.4 (Disobedience to a lawful order or demand of an official in the exercise of his authority), and my business was closed with a heavy fine.
Soon I left for Germany. There I settled down and returned to Belarus to take my family. But I did not have time to do it. In January 2023, the employees of the State Department of Border Police broke into my apartment and took me away in front of my wife and two small children.
At first I was kept in a punishment cell (winter, cold concrete floor, draft from the windows), then they took me to SIZO 1 on Volodarskogo Street, where I stayed for three more months in a high-security cell. At the same time, my apartment was searched — all my savings and some documents were confiscated.
The court sentenced me to two and a half years of home “chemistry” (restriction of freedom without referral to an open-type correctional institution), and later I was added to the list of extremists.
That was the end of my quiet life. People come to check on me at night, and I can't leave home because I have to check in with the police all the time.
We spent the last of our savings on a lawyer. In Belarus, I no longer have a regular income, and my wife is on maternity leave (my daughter is 11 months old). In addition, I have health problems and I need to undergo an examination.
I am embarrassed to ask for help, but now it is vital.
I am sincerely grateful to everyone who can help.
How much is needed?
€2100 – payment for accommodation, utilities. Food for a family of 4, medication, transportation, school. I also need to have a medical examination.