My name is Ermashuk Vadim Alexandrovich. I was born and grew up in Grodno, a city I love with all my soul. It became for me not only a home, but also a place where I found my vocation. I am a lawyer by education, but my real activity has long gone beyond the legal offices. I became a blogger, an activist and a person who strived to change the world around me, starting with the simple — with local problems familiar to every resident of our city.
On my Instagram, I talked about social problems, inequality and injustice. Tens of thousands of people subscribed to my page, and the publications collected millions of views. Sometimes I felt like my voice really mattered, that I could be useful.
In 2021, I was arrested and sent to a colony for 3 years for participating in rallies, openly expressing disagreement with the election results and condemning the actions of the security forces. I attended politically motivated trials and supported political prisoners, their families and especially their children. The published content on my Instagram was used by other independent media. And before the election, I supported entrepreneurs in their protests and participated in the “Net Neutrality Marches”.
In 2021, I was sentenced to 3 years in a colony for politically motivated criminal cases. And a few weeks before my detention, a hidden camera was installed in my apartment. Later, an intimate video with my partner appeared on the Internet. It became a weapon to try to destroy my reputation. My name was accompanied by insults, my private life was discussed by thousands of people like a marketplace. It was painful.
In the colony, I was placed in “low status”, which automatically made me a target for humiliation and bullying. I quickly realized that you can't be a person here. Here you are a function. A shadow.
Every morning started with insults. Every night I fell asleep wondering if I would wake up tomorrow. Endless taunts, physical and moral pressure, torture — it was their game, the rules of which I never understood.
But the worst thing was the loneliness. It comes when you lose the ability to feel alive. Even now, I continue to receive threats related to my sexual orientation.
On November 27, 2024, there was a court hearing where my Instagram account was deemed extremist. This was another signal that there was no place for me in Belarus. The threats kept coming and I had to urgently leave the country.
My state of health was also seriously affected by the illnesses I received in detention. These include: stage 3 (2B) malignant melanoma, for the treatment of which an operation was performed; bilateral inguinal hernia (surgery with mesh); psoriasis; gastritis; osteochondrosis and others. These conditions limit my ability to work physically.
I am currently living in a shelter in Warsaw.
I am in need of medical examination and treatment. Since my release in the summer of 2024, I have undergone several surgeries, including removal of a malignant melanoma and repair of an inguinal hernia. However, I am in need of further health monitoring, additional examination and treatment. The necessary oncologic examination was not performed in Belarus. There was a recurrence of inguinal hernia.
Being in Poland, I faced a new reality: it is practically impossible to cover all medical expenses without assistance. Therefore, I appealed to Belarusian organizations — such as ByHelp, Country for Life, Partyzanka, Volnya, Padarożnik — to support me in my health issues. I sincerely hope that through the joint efforts of these organizations it will be possible to provide the basic medical treatment I need.
But even if I get the best treatment, the recovery process will be long. The doctors warn that I will not be able to work for the next six months, maybe even a year. After all the necessary surgeries, I will be forced to stay home and focus on rehabilitation.
That is why I appeal for help to all Belarusians. I need your support to pass this way. I am setting a minimum collection goal of €5000. This money will help me rent a place to live and cover the most basic living and recovery expenses for two or three months.
But for full rehabilitation I will need more than that. The ideal goal is to raise €10-15,000 so that I can focus on treatment for six months and have a financial cushion in case of unforeseen health complications. I realize that this is a large sum, but I believe in the power of solidarity and mutual help, which unites Belarusians all over the world.
Your contribution is not just money. It is an opportunity for me to return to the life I aspire to after so many trials. It is a chance to regain health and strength to continue my journey.
I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you for your support, attention and help. Thank you for giving me hope. Together we are stronger, and I truly believe that with your help I will succeed.
How much is needed?
€5000
This is the minimum amount I need to live and rehabilitate for 2-3 months. With this money I can rent an apartment, provide myself with basic food and medical care. However, it would be ideal to raise 10-15 thousand so that I can focus on treatment for six months and have a financial cushion in case of unforeseen health complications.