Hello! My name is Vladislav Lagutenko, I am a former political prisoner. But this collection is not about me. I ask you to help my stepfather, Denis Khokhlov. He is originally from Krugly, worked in construction. He was never particularly interested in politics, but in 2020 he did not agree with the election results – and we went to protests together. When they detained me, it became clear that they would soon come for my stepfather, too. Then, in February 2023, he decided to leave for Russia. It seemed safer that way. In the summer, Denis wanted to fly from there to Georgia, but he was detained at the border. It turned out that my stepfather was on the interstate wanted list at the request of Belarus. A criminal case was opened against him under the «people's» Article 342*. While the extradition check was underway, Denis was placed in a temporary detention facility. It is ironic that the Russian prosecutor's office came to the conclusion that the actions of the stepfather are not considered a crime in their country.
But instead of releasing Denis, they drew up an administrative protocol against him for exceeding the maximum period of stay in Russia without registration by 1 month and 8 days. And on this basis, they deported him to Belarus, where the stepfather was tried. Under Part 1 of Article 342, he was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison.
As Denis said, the time behind bars passed quickly for him. The support of other political prisoners helped a lot. Although his health deteriorated in the colony: there are no serious problems, but the less than healthy conditions and the lack of normal medicine make themselves felt.
After his release in November 2024, the stepfather decided to leave – he was tired of watching repression and lawlessness. And he realized that they would not let him live peacefully in this country, and the next term was only a matter of time. He waited three months for a visa to be issued, and then, with the help of the BYSOL evacuation team, he left for Poland. Denis is in a good mood now, mainly because he no longer has to be afraid. His immediate plans include legalizing himself, finding a job, and starting a new life.
But since he traveled with one suitcase and is currently waiting for legalization, we would like to ask for your help. Denis needs money for housing, some household expenses, and the opportunity to see a doctor.
Thanks to everyone who decides to support!
*Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus – organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them.
How much is needed?
€3500
€1500 – housing
€750 – medical expenses
€750 – food and essential goods
€500 – purchase of a pyroprinter, with which the stepfather will be able to burn portraits and sell them