In 2020, our family often went to rallies. Dad was the most active: he gave interviews, did not hide his opinion at work. And after a while, the law enforcement agencies became interested in him.
Dad was on the clock twice, and a few years ago he was arrested in a criminal case. All because he participated in protests. Soon Dad was convicted. He was given a very long sentence, over five years. The court confiscated much of his property. We haven't seen him for several years, only occasional letters.
For our whole family, life was divided into “before” and “after”. Daddy is the closest and favorite person for all of us, he always did everything he could for us and even more. I still have a picture of his arrest in front of my eyes. At that moment I did not even realize that I would not be able to see him for so long. For several years now, we have not been able to hug him, to greet his birthday with a smile. We just ignore these dates, no one gathers around the table — still no mood. Until we are together, there will be no celebrations. I don't know how else to describe our state — you can't understand it until you experience it.
I have contact with him through my mom, her letters are getting through. Dad has lost almost 30 kilograms and asks me to send him a few sizes smaller, because the old ones are hanging on him. He says he really wants to go home. In general, he tries to stay cheerful — he will never complain.
The authorities have trampled on everything Dad did for 30 years, made him a criminal. It is very hard for my mom, she is constantly sedated. I myself can sometimes tear up from powerlessness, from the fact that I can't help him, even if I really want to.
All we have to do is to give him things. But since a lot of my father's property was confiscated, the family has almost no money left. That's why we're asking for your help. We need to give him regular handovers, renew his clothes and replenish his account every month so that he can buy food and hygiene products.
How much is needed?
€1500
€1000 — two parcels to the colony
€500 — monthly top-up of Dad's account for six months