“They suffocated me with a plastic bag until I lost consciousness” – Dmitry left Belarus due to the risk of a new prison term. Now he is in another country starting life from scratch and asking for help.
My name is Dmitry.
In 2020, when people were being beaten in the streets – including women and children – I spoke about it openly. Later, I recorded a video in which I called on people to come out to the walls of the Mogilev prison and demand the release of political prisoners.
It was for this video that I was arrested. First, I was beaten and suffocated with a plastic bag until I lost consciousness. I would regain consciousness from a blow to the chest, be asked a question, and if the answer was not liked – the bag went back over my head. And so it went in circles. Then I was thrown into a remand centre, and later the court sentenced me to 5 years in a correctional facility under an article for “inciting hatred.” I tried to appeal the sentence, but it was all in vain. In addition, I was also added to the list of “extremists.”
I fully served my prison term and was released from prison in September 2025. I spent the last 9 months in a punishment cell in solitary confinement. I was thrown there after a suicide attempt that I made right in the office of my unit head – that is how far he pushed me.
Unfortunately, prison severely damaged my health. I developed dental problems and hair loss due to stress. I have a disability (third working group) and a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, which requires regular monitoring and treatment.
But despite all these problems, after my release I could not stay in Belarus. Because the conditions created for me were unbearable – constant checks, provocations, attempts to find a reason for a new arrest. Any minor thing could become a pretext for a second prison term.
I realized that staying meant ending up in prison again. And I left. My loved ones remained at home: my ill mother and two brothers. So there is absolutely no one to support me.
Now I live in another country and am trying to rebuild my life after 5 years of detention. And I ask for your support, because I need to build everything again – from scratch.
Thank you!
Fundraising goal
€2900
€1500 – housing for 2 months, as well as funds for a deposit
€700 – expenses for urgent medical needs
€400 – food and daily expenses
€300 – clothing for the initial period