Hi!
My name is Maxim.
(The name has been changed for security reasons, BYSOL Foundation has all identification documents).
In 2018 I resigned from the Ministry of Internal Affairs because I was tired of the system and wanted to feel like a human being. At first it was difficult — I had to learn how to talk to people, learn to build relationships, find and rebuild myself anew. But by 2020, I got the hang of it. I got a good job, a girlfriend, and confidence in myself and in my “tomorrow”. Shortly before the election, my sweetheart and I learned that we would soon become parents. We rejoiced and had a wedding.
But at the same time there was a feeling that something was wrong. I remember, at the end of July, I got a call from a former colleague and asked if I was ready to get a stick on my ass if I went to the rally? And I replied that I have a pregnant wife, so I don't think about anything like that. But it was unpleasant.
And then came August 9th. Followed by days of violence. It was so horrible that I didn't know what to do. Like everyone else, I went to rallies and participated in yard activities. One evening when I was coming home, I was detained. For 2 days nothing was reported to my relatives, while my wife went crazy and searched for me around Minsk with a bellybutton. On the third day I broke down. I was told that if I didn't sign a confession, they would come to my house with a search, and there something might happen to my wife….
There was a trial. I was charged under Articles 339 and 369 (Article 339 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus — hooliganism committed by a group of persons; Article 369 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus — insulting a representative of the authorities) and was given 3 years of “chemistry” (restriction of freedom with sending to an open-type correctional institution). During the time I was away from home, my wife gave birth to a son, and in general many things changed. The country became different.
After my release, I realized that I had to leave, because I would not be given a quiet life. In December I packed my things, took my family and left for Warsaw. Now here I am thinking about how to start a new life. I ask for your help.
How much is needed?
€2400
€1600 — two months rent + realtor's services
€600 — food for 2 months for 3 family members
€200 — basic necessities for my son