Hello, dear Belarusians!
My name is Klim Sinkevich. Before the 2020 elections, I was a student and was fond of 3D, and later I already worked as a 3D artist. After the 2020 election I went to almost all Sunday rallies.
My relative, with whom I was at one of the rallies, was unexpectedly detained in December 2021. They came to him because of his Facebook subscription, but they also found a photo from the rally that includes me. At that time, repression for peaceful rallies was already underway. So I decided not to wait for my detention and went straight to Moscow to my girlfriend. From there we planned to move to Europe later.
A few days after I left for Russia, law enforcement officers broke into my parents' apartment. They were looking for me. That's how I realized I was wanted for the peace actions of 2020 and stayed in Moscow. In February 2022, war broke out in Ukraine and I was essentially trapped in Russia. A year and a half later, summonses from the military enlistment office started coming to my Belarus address, as my deferment had expired. I wanted to quickly go to Belarus, pass the medical examination and close this issue (now I realize that it was a very big mistake).
In the summer of 2023, I arrived in Belarus, but I did not manage to get to the military enlistment office. A few days after my arrival, three officers of the Main Department of State Security and Defense Police grabbed me at the entrance. They put me in a car where they beat me up — they hit me in the ribs and legs. Then they took me to my parents' apartment, where I was registered, and conducted an illegal search there. In the course of the search they confiscated my computer, on which I worked, thus depriving me of my income.
I spent 14 days in a single-seat punishment cell (with at least 10 people in it at all times) in the TDF on Okrestina. After that I spent 2 months in the prison in Zhodzina. Then there was a trial, at which I was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months of “home chemistry”.
“Home chemistry” is a type of punishment where the convict remains at liberty, but with restrictions. The convict has a schedule for both work and personal activities, including going to the store or throwing out the trash. The police can come every day and at any time to check on them.
BYSOL Note
After my conviction, I rushed to apply for a humanitarian visa, but got caught up in a visa scandal at the Polish Foreign Ministry. I wanted a Polish visa because I know the language and many relatives and friends live in Poland. I waited 4 months for a visa.
During this time, the criminal inspection officers tried to come up with violations to send me to the colony. For example, once the inspector changed the time of weekly marking without informing me. For this, I was immediately sent back to the TDF on Okrestina for 10 days.
The BYSOL team helped me evacuate to Poland, for which I thank them very much! I escaped from prison, alive and well! I feel very relieved that I am in a free country and safe, that they will not come and take me to jail again!
However, I am forced to turn for help to my compatriots and all concerned people. Deprived of the opportunity to earn money, I am currently experiencing financial difficulties. The main source of income for any IT worker is a computer. And I need a powerful one for 3D-graphics. Without a job, I can't afford to buy one.
I have read and heard a lot of stories about how Belarusians help each other. I count on your support and solidarity and I am grateful to everyone who will respond to my request!
How much is needed?
€2000
€2000 — a computer (a laptop for graphics is much more expensive, and I can build a computer myself for less money).