My name is Andrei Lipsky. I am a journalist for the regional media company Ranak from Svetlogorsk. Now, unfortunately, former and ex. For 30 years we reported news and events to the residents of our town and district.
In 2020, we in the editorial office saw how the signature collection began, the lines, the excitement, the white ribbons — and we realized that this year events would unfold differently. That's why at the end of July we decided that we would cover the elections and everything that would happen afterwards. If a crowd comes with BCB flags — we will tell about it, with red-green flags — we will write about it.
At that time, for the first time in a long time, I realized that at last I could write what I thought, practically without restraining myself. But it didn't last long: after the dispersal of the protests in our city, there was a feeling that everything was no longer the same, that there was an “us” and a “them”. It became more and more difficult to work, the executive committee stopped answering questions. But on the other hand, you can't just sit around with your hands folded.
When in June 2023 there was a man-made accident at the local pulp mill, we were the only ones who reported that the accident not only claimed the lives of three people, but also had serious consequences for the ecology of Svetlogorsk. I believe that for this we were literally crushed in a matter of days by the media company. My colleagues and I were arrested on a far-fetched pretext. Then there was a trial, huge fines, confiscations, 24 hours. There were four of us in a cell, all employees of Rank. All this time I was in a state of shock.
After that, the publication closed (we were simply not allowed to work), and in August I got a job in a store. But the law enforcers did not calm down. I thought that I was done for, and then again — a search, “cosmonauts” in full attire, arrest, fine. After I realized that they were preparing materials for a criminal case (the district police officer hinted at it), and I felt just an animal terror. It seemed that not today-tomorrow they would come and say: “You are a suspect in the commission of a crime. Then I decided to urgently leave Belarus.
I was released with a fine, and the same evening I took a night train, with connections I reached Moscow. Then an airplane — and Armenia, then Georgia. I lived in Batumi for almost a month while I waited for my Polish visa. And in September 2023 I flew to Germany (I have a daughter there). There I immediately asked for protection, and then it was over: camps, consideration of the application. But in March 2024 I was denied protection and deported to Poland.
I asked for protection in Poland. While I was waiting for the application to be processed, I worked part-time on a construction site and received a small allowance from the state. In order to pay for a room, I had to save on the bare necessities. But I was sure that everything would work out — I had acquaintances here from Svetlogorsk. Otherwise, I had the feeling that life was on pause: I was doing the necessary things, but the need to live away from my family and friends was very depressing. I also had to flee one day.
Now I have finally received political asylum, I am processing documents and actively looking for work in Poland, trying to integrate into society. I am still living with minimal expenses, saving on housing. But my health problems have started to happen by no coincidence. My hearing, which was already problematic, has deteriorated. Stress and being on 24-hour shifts probably played a role. On top of that, I caught a bad cold in the camp for foreigners in December 2023, which caused problems with my eardrum. I had surgery in Poland in early February 2025 to repair my eardrum, but I will not be able to hear fully.
To compensate for my hearing loss, I need hearing aids. I can't do without them. Besides, I am employed under a contractual agreement, and at any moment I can be unemployed. That's why I would like to ask for money for solving household issues for the first time as a safety net (taking into account my health condition).
For 27 years of work in journalism I have repeatedly seen examples of mutual assistance of ordinary people, I myself tried to help those in trouble. I very much hope for your support. Thank you!
How much is needed?
€2700
€1200 — two hearing aids.
€750 — rent for three months.
€750 — living expenses for three months.