I'm a former political prisoner. I came out in 2020 for the same reason as everyone else. I wanted Lukashenka to leave, I was in favor of fair elections, against lawlessness and violence by law enforcers.
I was detained at the march in memory of Roma Bandarenka. His death was hard for me, as we knew each other a little. That day at the police department we were forced to kneel for three hours. While the station chief was there, we were not allowed to go to the toilet or drink. Then, when he left, the officers took us to the toilet and quietly said that they were for us.
Then I was released, but a year later they opened a criminal case for one of the August actions. I was shocked. And the case did not end there — they brought a second case against me for insulting a law enforcer. As a result, I spent almost two years in prison.
It was very hard for me. We were constantly forced to write a petition for pardon, and after each refusal, pressure began. For example, they made us clean the toilet. And when I refused, I received 10 days of SHIZO*.
I was released more than a year ago. My health has deteriorated a lot. Emotions are still overflowing, and I only began to hate the power structures even more. During the time I have been out of prison, I have not been able to find a stable job — everywhere they refuse me, citing a political article. I am very tired mentally.
Since I can't really find a job, I need help to pay my bills and food. In the future I want to try to go to Poland — I hope to organize my life there.
*A SHIZO (punitive isolation cell) is a facility for prisoners where conditions are considerably harsher than they would normally be. Prisoners in the SHIZO are deprived of many privileges, such as transfers, visits and walks, and are often subjected to increased physical and psychological pressure.
How much is needed?
€650
This is enough money for me to live frugally for a month and a half or two months while I think about what to do next.