Vadim* spent four years in a high-security colony on a high-profile political case. After his release, he is trying to rebuild his life while still under supervision. Without support, however, his large family risks coming under scrutiny from “social services.” He also needs medical care after imprisonment.
I was involved in a high-profile political case in one of the regional centers and fully served the sentence given by the court — 4 years in a high-security colony. After my release, I hoped that I would gradually be able to return to a normal life, find a job, and deal with the consequences of those years on my own. In reality, it turned out that starting life from scratch in Belarus is almost impossible if you are labeled a “yellow-tagged” person and were recognized as a political prisoner.
Now I am under supervision. Due to family circumstances, our family cannot leave the country, at least for the next year. My wife and I have three minor children, and another child is on the way. So I have to build a life here, under constant restrictions, with a heavy past behind me and the understanding that any mistake could cost not only me, but also my loved ones.
We rent housing. Fortunately, I managed to find a job, which seemed impossible with the status of a “political” person. But for now, this is a life without choice, without any safety margin, and with a constant fear of losing everything at any moment. In addition, part of my salary is withheld by the state according to the sentence, so even less money remains in my hands, and this will continue for more than a year.
The scariest thing for us is not only the lack of money, but also the fact that due to our difficult situation, social services have started visiting us more often. They check the condition of the housing, the living conditions of the children, and the situation in the family. My wife and I are very afraid that because of my status, any deterioration in living conditions could be used against us. For us, the well-being of our children is the top priority, and that is why we are asking for support: we want to preserve a normal, safe life for them, as much as it is possible in our circumstances.
My health has significantly deteriorated in the colony. After my release, I tried to hold on and postponed everything, but problems have appeared that cannot be ignored: issues with the gastrointestinal tract, other internal organs, constant pain, weakness, sleep disturbances, and exhaustion of the nervous system. All of this requires doctors, examinations, tests, medication, and time for recovery. But in our situation, everything goes toward rent, children, and food, and there are simply no resources left for treatment.
I did not dare to ask for help for more than a year. I was sure that I would manage on my own after my release, that I could be a normal father and support for my children and my wife. But now I understand that we are sliding into a pit we will not be able to get out of. I need to restore my health, and our family needs to maintain safe living conditions for the children.
*This is an anonymous fundraiser. For security reasons, we have скрыли the hero’s name and changed some details of the story. The image was generated using AI.
Fundraising goal
€2900
€1000 – rent and minor repairs
€500 – expenses for children, primarily school and clothing
€500 – food and household needs
€900 – treatment of consequences of imprisonment