I was an independent observer in the 2020 presidential election in the village of Borovlyany, Minsk district. During one of the duties there was ballot stuffing, which I reported to the Borovlia police department, but I didn't receive any intelligible answer. After the results of the rigged elections were announced, I took an active part in helping the victims of the night events from 09.08.2020 to 12.08.2020. I attended the Sunday marches and also provided material assistance in the form of parcels to the detainees in TDFs and pre-trial detention centers.
On March 27, 2021 during a planned rally dedicated to the Day of Will, I was detained by officers of the Borovlyansk police department, where I was held for 4 hours, after which they told me that my detention had been sanctioned by the KGB and told me “in words” to “keep my political views to myself. On 16.08.2021 the KGB officers already came by themselves, with a search. They told me that I was suspected of committing a crime under article 289 part 1 (an act of terrorism), took a non-disclosure pledge from me and left. However, on 21.08.2021, again on the orders of KGB, at 23.00 they came to me again with a search by officers of Borovlyan police department. They confiscated my work laptop with all the necessary software and my phone with a list of all my work contacts. The news that I was being prosecuted made all my customers and partners turn away from me. I was forced to stop my business activities, which for six months led to the fact that I was left without a livelihood.
On 17.01.2022 I was invited to talk to the IC RB, where I had already been detained by officers of GUBOP. I was placed in a punishment cell in the TDF in Okrestino, where I, together with 4 other detainees in the cell, was tortured by the staff of the TDF. I was charged under Article 342 part 1. OF THE CRIMINAL CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS. During my detention in the pre-trial detention centre one more search was conducted at the address of my registration, during which a TV set, a microwave oven, kettles and other personal things were searched.
Then cameral checks of the legal entity began with the imposition of fines, and after my release on recognizance not to leave, the license of my sole proprietorship was revoked. By a court decision of 22.04.2022, for active participation in the activities of grossly violating public order, etc. — I was sentenced to 3 years of “chemo” with a referral.
In July I left the territory of the Republic of Belarus. As a result of my confrontation with the regime, I lost my construction business, which was my only source of income. In this regard, I ask for assistance to help me continue my journey to a country that is safe for me and adaptation.
How much is needed?
1650 € — purchase of a second-hand laptop, as mine was confiscated during the search; purchase of a telephone; food and personal hygiene for two months; purchase of airfare and a transfer to a safe country for political asylum.