Hello! My name is Dmitry Nekrasov, I come from Brest. In 2020, I was 19 years old, and like many young people, I was not interested in politics. However, when at work we were forced to sign documents in support of Lukashenko, I refused despite threats.
After that I made a conscious choice to vote. But my vote was stolen and I went out on the street.
Immediately clashes with law enforcers started. They grabbed random people and tried to disperse us with tear gas. We formed a clutch. Soon OMON arrived and started throwing stun grenades at us and firing pump-action rifles. I saw a man wounded. Together with another guy, we dragged him to safety.
In panic and anger, I threw some stones at the enforcers. Then I felt a kick in my leg, but on adrenaline I kept running. When one of the protesters pointed to the blood, I realized I was injured. People surrounded me, wrapped bandages around my leg and dragged me to the car.
I was afraid to go to the hospital, so they took me to a cosmetic surgeon I knew. She treated the wound and told me I needed immediate help. I called my sister and they took me to the hospital.
On August 23, 2020, I was detained by the Investigative Committee on suspicion of participation in mass riots. I was sent to a temporary detention center for three days and then released on my own recognizance. On August 12, 2021, I was sentenced to three years in penal colony 1.
Those three years were hell. The conditions for political prisoners were terrible, and I repeatedly found myself in the SHIZO, which severely undermined my health. I tried to get medical help, but to no avail. While in prison, I married my girlfriend, who supported me with all her strength. However, she was also under pressure and had to leave for Poland.
A SHIZO (punitive isolation cell) is a room for prisoners where conditions are much harsher than usual. Prisoners in the SHIZO are deprived of many privileges, such as transfers, visits and walks, and are often subjected to increased physical and psychological pressure.
BYSOL Note
On May 30, 2024, I was released, but almost immediately I faced threats from the SSPC officers. Fearing for my life, I left Belarus for Georgia and am now trying to reach Poland to reunite with my family.
With your support I will be able to cover the costs of traveling and settling in Poland. Please help me to find safety and reunite with my loved ones.
How much is needed?
€2000
€500 — I am currently in Georgia waiting for a visa. I can't get a serious job, so I have to work part-time. I need this money as a safety net in case the wait is prolonged.
€500 — clothes for fall/winter, as I don't have many warm clothes.
€1000 — this money will be needed for the first time in Poland, while I am getting settled in my new place.