Sergey Rudzenkov was imprisoned in November 2022. After his release in December 2025, he was taken to Ukraine and is now rebuilding his life in Lithuania. Recently, his family was finally able to join him there.
My name is Sergey Rudzenkov. I am from Chechersk and a former political prisoner. I was released from Prison No. 4 in December 2025 and transferred to Ukraine.
I ended up behind bars in November 2022. Before that, I worked for Beltelecom but was forced to resign for political reasons. After losing my job, my financial situation became difficult. In a small town, there are few employment opportunities, and I was turned down everywhere I applied. I decided to seek help from the BYSOL Foundation, but I mistakenly wrote to a fake bot created by the security services. Simply because I needed support, I was charged under Article 361-4 for facilitating an extremist formation.
In addition, I was accused of inciting national hatred because of a comment opposing the war in Ukraine, as well as insulting Lukashenka and the police through a like and a comment online. For all of this, I was sentenced to five years in prison.
Before my release, I spent three years in detention, including time in Penal Colony No. 17 and Prison No. 4. It was extremely difficult because of my chronic health conditions. I was preparing myself for the worst possible outcome. They were systematically and slowly killing us there.
Fortunately, I was one of the lucky ones. Today I live in Lithuania and work as a self-employed electrician. Recently, my wife and son managed to leave Belarus and join me. I worry much less now that we are together. My wife has also become much calmer and no longer fears that our child could be taken away. My son is happy too – happy to have left and to finally be with me again.
But supporting all three of us is still difficult. My wife plans to legalize her status and find work, but for now I am the only one earning an income. We also need to find a new home for our family and settle into our new life.
That is why I am asking for your support. I will be sincerely grateful to everyone who responds.
Fundraising goal
€2500
€1800 – rent for three months
€700 – household and everyday expenses