Artsiom Karotkevich was detained in 2023. While he was already behind bars, the Telegram chat he moderated was designated as an extremist entity.
My name is Artsiom Karotkevich, I am a former political prisoner. Until 2019, I was barely interested in politics. The only thought that haunted me was that I had lived my whole life under the same president. That disturbed me even before the peaceful protests.
In the summer of 2020, like many Belarusians, I disagreed with the election results and took part in the protests. I always wanted to do more because Belarusians deserve change. That’s how I became an admin of the local chat “97% Sierabranka.”
In March 2023, I was detained by officers of the anti-extremism unit who said: “For the protests in 2020.” When they found out I was an administrator of a Telegram channel, they started torturing me, including with an electric shocker.
At first, I was placed in detention for 24 hours, then charged under the “popular” Article 342. Several months after my detention, the Telegram chat was recognized as an extremist entity. I was charged under Part 1 of Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus – founding or joining an extremist entity. I was eventually sentenced to four years, which I served in Correctional Facility No. 22. The conditions were terrible and my health was severely affected. I developed dental and back issues, as well as eczema.
In November 2024, officers of the anti-extremism unit visited the correctional facility. During conversations with several inmates, they insisted on filing petitions for a pardon. Some were threatened with new charges if they refused. I was threatened with solitary confinement, secure ward, an extended prison term, and troubles for my loved ones.
In January 2025, I was released by pardon. I couldn’t stay in Belarus for long: I lived in constant stress due to regular “preventive lectures” and night checks. I was also restricted from leaving the city and the country. It felt like being free but not really. Staying in Minsk was emotionally hard: you could feel the hatred and anger in the air, and the smiles of Belarusians had vanished…
That’s why I left the country in September. Within three days I was in Warsaw, where for the first time in a long while I felt free. But it’s not that simple: I have to start life from scratch. I’ve applied for international protection, but I am currently not allowed to work officially. My savings have run out, yet I need to pay rent, utilities, and buy food and basic necessities.
Moreover, I am alone in a foreign country, and many things are unfamiliar. There’s a constant fear inside that something might go wrong. My story is similar to many others, but I try to move forward. And I need help to begin a new life. I would be very grateful for your support.
Fundraising Goal:
€2300
€1300 – rent for several months and deposit
€550 – winter clothes and essential items
€450 – food, communication, and transport