Yevgeny* took part in peaceful protests and helped repressed Belarusians. Because of this, he was sentenced to “home chemistry” under a political article. During his sentence, he had to perform hard labor, endure pressure from security forces, and bury his father.
My name is Yevgeny.
For the past ten years, I have participated in civic initiatives. In 2020, I joined Sunday marches, and when the wave of repression began, I helped deliver aid to victims of violence. That same year, the security forces took an interest in me – I was detained for short terms, but no criminal case was opened.
That changed in 2024. I was tried under a political article and sentenced to “home chemistry.” During this time, the security forces kept me under constant surveillance: they conducted night checks, sent me to short-term detention for violations, and threatened me with prison.
At the same time, I was caring for my sick father. He had been seriously ill for years – after three strokes, he developed gangrene. The search, the criminal case, and the visits from security forces further undermined his already fragile health, and he became bedridden. Some time later, he passed away before reaching the age of 60.
The constant pressure from security forces and the death of my father weighed heavily on me. I was in deep despair and on the verge of suicide. The only thing that kept me going was my children, who need my support. My ex-wife and I are divorced, and the children live separately.
Naturally, all of this has seriously affected my health: I developed diabetes, my psoriasis worsened, and other conditions appeared.
I work in manufacturing, as I cannot find a better-paying job due to my political convictions. My salary is barely enough to make ends meet. I still cannot repay a friend €210 that I borrowed for my father’s funeral, food for myself, and support for my children.
Some may ask: why don’t you leave the country if the situation is so difficult? But I don’t want to move abroad because my children need their father.
Right now, I urgently need help to improve my health, get training, and find better-paying work. I am in despair and asking all Belarusians for support.
*This is an anonymous fundraiser. For security reasons, the name and some details have been changed.
Fundraising goal
€2180
€480 – 14-day sanatorium treatment
€300 – medicines and vitamins
€300 – new clothing and shoes
€450 – offline courses in video editing and Photoshop to gain additional income opportunities
€240 – computer upgrade for video work
€200 – support for children
€210 – debt repayment