Vitaly has long been a civic activist, and has been active in political and civic campaigns for more than five years. These include actions to defend the Kurapaty tract, support for political detainees, and more.
In May 2020, Vitaly was detained at a picket to collect signatures for a presidential candidate. He was sentenced for 5 days under Article 23.34 (“Violation of the order of organizing or holding mass events”). After the CEC refused to register two presidential candidates, Vitaly was outraged with the decisions of the election commission members and, as a result, was detained again and sentenced to 15 days in jail.
During the election he became an independent observer, but on the third day of early voting he was detained and sentenced for “hooliganism” and “disobedience” for 10 days. Then Vitali's life began a series of summonses to the prosecutor's office and the FID, as well as regular trials. This terrible period lasted almost a year and a half. Among other things, Vitaly was brought as a witness in a criminal case. After another detention under article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, Vitaly realized that the threat of losing his freedom for a long time became quite tangible, and decided to leave the country. Now he needs financial support until he finds a job in the new country.
How much is needed?
700€ — moving expenses, paperwork, financial support for the first time.