On August 9, 2020, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Belarus following the release of official exit polls showing that Lukashenko received an overwhelming majority of votes. Most of the protesters gathered near the Stela on Pobediteley Avenue, and I was among those people. We were discussing the events, as at this stage the Internet was no longer working in the country. I was walking without any weapons and without any desire to engage in any conflict whatsoever.
The footage, published on Twitter by the news agency Tut.by, shows riot policemen beating protesters with batons, and a paddy wagon driving into the crowd. At those very moments I was right on the scene. Since the crowd was packing and there was absolutely no way out, we continued to be beaten by riot police without any insignia and with balaclavas on our heads. After all that, I was taken to the 5th City Clinical Hospital with multiple injuries.
On September 8, 2020 I was taken into custody and first placed in the temporary detention isolator in Okrestina street until the accusation. On March 19, 2021 I was sentenced by the Central District Court of Minsk to 2 years of imprisonment, to be served in a general regime colony under Article 342(1) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (organization of the preparation and carrying out of terrorist acts). 1 of the Criminal Code (organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order or active participation in them). In this regard, as soon as my place of residence learned about my criminal record, I was deprived of rental housing.
After serving my sentence, I was released on 04/30/22. At this time I am in the process of recovering from the injuries I suffered in August of 2020. I am currently unemployed, although I would like to be, but cannot because of my physical condition. None of the doctors are making a definitive diagnosis at this stage of diagnosis. I would be grateful to anyone who can help me in the period of recovery and healing of my injuries.
How much is needed?
1100€ — MRI of the brain; MRI of the cranial roof; MRI of the chest organs; consultations and permanent monitoring by a neurologist; purchase of medications; transportation costs for trips to Minsk.