A 71-year-old Belarusian former political prisoner is asking for support to cover housing, food, and medical treatment.
My name is Sofya Bachurinskaya. I am Belarusian and a former political prisoner. At the age of 70, I was sentenced to one and a half years of imprisonment. I went through a temporary detention facility, a pre-trial detention center, and a penal colony. On December 13, 2025, I was forcibly expelled from Belarus together with a group of political prisoners. That is how I ended up in Poland.
I am now 71 years old. After my imprisonment, I was left with virtually nothing: no stable income, severely damaged health, and the need to rebuild my life in a foreign country. I have refugee status in Poland, but I no longer receive my Belarusian pension. Despite many years of employment and my status as a Veteran of
Labor, I currently have no regular source of income.
My health deteriorated significantly during my imprisonment. I constantly struggle with high blood pressure, have developed chronic bronchitis, and suffer from severe dizziness. I can suddenly become unwell while outside—I have already fallen several times and sustained injuries. A few weeks ago, I suffered another serious fall and am still recovering.
I need medical examinations and treatment, but accessing healthcare here is not easy. Even buying the medications I need is a challenge. Volunteers provide some assistance, but it is not enough.
This spring, my allergies became much worse. They first developed while I was in prison, but at least then my children were able to send me medication. Here, it took a long time before I could receive the treatment I needed.
Despite everything, I do not want to simply wait for help. As long as I have the strength, I try to do what I can. Before my imprisonment, I painted, and now I am trying to return to it. It helps me keep going.
Right now, however, my greatest priority is keeping a roof over my head and being able to afford food, medicine, and other basic necessities. More than anything, I fear becoming homeless.
It is difficult for me to ask for help, but I truly cannot manage on my own anymore.
I am asking for your support to help cover my rent, food, medication, and basic living expenses over the next two months. This assistance will allow me to undergo medical examinations, focus on my health, and try to get back on my feet.
Fundraising goal
€2900
€1600 – rent and utility bills
€600 – food
€400 – medication and medical expenses
€200 – clothing and basic household expenses