“It seems the regime wasn't satisfied with the beatings and violence in 2020 and began taking revenge on everyone who took to the streets or spoke out against the election results,” recalls Tatyana. “In March 2022, I was arrested in Baranavichy for comments I posted online. Then came the searches and detention in the remand center.”
On 10 June 2022, the Baranavichy District Court found her guilty under three articles of the Criminal Code at once: Part 1 of Article 368 (insulting Lukashenka), Article 369 (insulting a public official), and Article 391 (insulting a judge). Tatyana was sentenced to two years of imprisonment in a correctional facility and a fine of 6400 BYN.
Tatyana served the full term – exactly two years – in Homel Correctional Facility No. 4, experiencing the full cruelty and humiliation of the penitentiary system. Her health seriously deteriorated during her imprisonment: chronic conditions worsened, her teeth were destroyed, her vision sharply declined, and there is now a suspicion of cancer. The political prisoner developed severe post-traumatic stress disorder, accompanied by social withdrawal and an inability to engage with others.
“After my release, I realised I wouldn't be allowed to live peacefully in Belarus. I didn’t wait for another absurd charge and left for Poland with my dog,” Tatyana says. “But unfortunately, my troubles didn’t end there.”
On 18 January 2025, arriving via Yerevan, Tatyana reached Poland.
“It was easiest to get a Lithuanian visa,” she explains. “At the time, I was being monitored by an oncologist, and if the diagnosis had been confirmed, I would have stayed in Belarus. But I eventually had to evacuate to Poland, where I found people I had shared prison with, and here I feel supported.”
Polish authorities denied her international protection because her humanitarian visa had been issued by Lithuania. Now she is in a difficult situation: burdened with debt, unable to work fully, and in urgent need of medical and legal assistance, as well as support for housing.
“I urgently need examinations and treatment: a gynecologist due to suspected cancer, psychological support, a dentist and an ophthalmologist, as well as medication,” Tatyana emphasizes. “Your support is my chance to rebuild my life and recover after the abuse and deprivations I endured.”
Fundraiser Goal:
€3500
€1000 – rent for two months;
€900 – medication and treatment for the consequences of imprisonment;
€600 – legal services for filing an appeal;
€600 – debt from the journey and extraction to Poland;
€400 – everyday expenses.