«I was sentenced to several years of restricted freedom, but I managed to leave Belarus for a safer country. However, my parents are still at home. They are now suffering greatly because of my past», shares the former political prisoner.
After her departure, the regime's repressions turned toward her family. Her parents were charged with absurd accusations and sentenced to restricted freedom without imprisonment – a form of punishment known as «home chemistry» in Belarus.
«Due to the constant stress and ongoing persecution, my mother’s health has severely deteriorated: she has suffered several strokes and has almost completely lost the ability to move on her own», explains Anastasia.
Her father has also been repeatedly subjected to administrative detention and is experiencing serious health problems.
«The most painful thing is knowing that the people I love most are paying the price for my desire to live free. They are gravely ill and don’t have the strength to keep going without help», the Belarusian woman shares.
Her parents urgently need rehabilitation support: a wheelchair, mobility equipment for the home, essential medication, and regular physiotherapy. They cannot afford these expenses on their own, and Anastasia cannot return to help them in person due to the risk of renewed criminal prosecution.
«I never thought I’d live to see the day when I couldn’t be there for my parents – especially when they need me most», she confesses.
She is forced to ask for help anonymously, as openly speaking about the situation could endanger her parents even more. Any support right now for elderly Belarusians still living under repression in their homeland can offer them a chance to survive under these incredibly difficult conditions.
How much is needed?
€4000
€1500 – wheelchair
€2000 – installation of barrier-free equipment in the home
€500 – medications and physiotherapy