My name is Denis, I am from Minsk. I participated in street protests long before August 2020, but those events became a turning point for me. I joined the protests from the first days: I went to Sunday marches, participated in pensioners' marches, and also coordinated protests in my neighborhood. Later, when street activity became dangerous, I switched to helping political prisoners — I sent parcels, letters, made transfers.
From 2021 to 2023, I was detained temporarily twice, and in March 2023, a criminal case was opened under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (organization of actions that grossly violate public order). I spent six months in a pre-trial detention center. Physically and psychologically, these were difficult months, but despite everything, I knew what I was fighting for and held on.
In August 2023, after my release, I realized that things would only get worse and that it was simply impossible for me to stay in Belarus, so I left almost immediately after my release. Since then, I have been in exile, awaiting a decision on whether to grant me political asylum.
Despite serious health problems, I managed to find a job. Everything was going well, but the company ceased to exist and there was no work. I persistently looked for a new place, and only at the end of April did I manage to find a job. But during the time without work, I found myself in a complete financial hole: I have no money for housing, food, or basic household items.
I am asking for help only at this critical moment. Now that I have a job, it will become easier, and I will be able to pay for everything myself. But at the moment, I really need your support and help so as not to end up on the street.
How much is needed?
€2000
€1000 – rent for 2 months
€345 – utility bills
€655 – food, household expenses, mobile communications