12
TWELVE
A WETALK.MEDIA SPECIAL PROJECT
This project is dedicated to the Belarusian students that were illegally arrested on the 12th of November 2020.
Project Twelve tells their stories, sheds light on the "black Thursday“ and wants to create a sharper focus on the student protests in Belarus: On nonviolent resistance, repression and the strength of spirit.
This project is dedicated to the Belarusian students that were illegally arrested on the 12th of November 2020.
Project Twelve tells their stories, sheds light on the "black Thursday“ and wants to create a sharper focus on the student protests in Belarus: On nonviolent resistance, repression and the strength of spirit.
While you are busy reading this, innocent people are being arrested.
Project Twelve was originally released in Russian on the 12th of November 2021.
By the time of the English publication on November 27th, it became known that eleven more students have become political prisoners. In only this short period of time, the overall number of recognized political prisoners has grown by 40 people.
By the time of the English publication on November 27th, it became known that eleven more students have become political prisoners. In only this short period of time, the overall number of recognized political prisoners has grown by 40 people.
The new Belarusian Reality
Since 2020, one can speak of a complete breakdown of the rule of law in Belarus. Over 39 000 people have been arrested in relation with the peaceful mass protests for democracy of last year. All independent media houses and over 270 NGOs have been broken up, over 1000 people are now considered political prisoners. At least 60 of them are students or minors.
The repressions continue. Arrests and detentions are completely arbitrary — you don’t have to have committed crime to be locked up: The investigating authorities fabricate evidence, invent cases, and the judicial authorities play along with them.
Complaints about the conditions of detention or inconsistencies in the cases are not considered as valid and are probably not even investigated any further. Not a single citizen of Belarus can fully defend themselves in court, and in case of political offenses, there is no prospect of acquittal or a fair trial.
The repressions continue. Arrests and detentions are completely arbitrary — you don’t have to have committed crime to be locked up: The investigating authorities fabricate evidence, invent cases, and the judicial authorities play along with them.
Complaints about the conditions of detention or inconsistencies in the cases are not considered as valid and are probably not even investigated any further. Not a single citizen of Belarus can fully defend themselves in court, and in case of political offenses, there is no prospect of acquittal or a fair trial.
Horrific prison conditions
For an American or European it is hard to grasp what a Belarusian prison truly means: Imprisonment for political reasons is, without exaggeration, a kind of torture not only for prisoners, but also for their relatives.
Deprived of communication and information about the state of their loved ones, they are forced to guess, wait for letters and information from lawyers. This is very exhausting for them, it takes a huge amount of money, time, effort and nerves.
We have listed the punishing conditions that are being created for the political prisoners.
Convicted persons in administrative cases:
For prisoners for criminal cases in pre-trial detention centers and penal colonies conditions are slightly better. Although even there the administration has complete power over the prisoners:
In addition, the administration of correctional institutions have many levers of pressure:
The rules for keeping prisoners are constantly changing. For example,
Deprived of communication and information about the state of their loved ones, they are forced to guess, wait for letters and information from lawyers. This is very exhausting for them, it takes a huge amount of money, time, effort and nerves.
We have listed the punishing conditions that are being created for the political prisoners.
Convicted persons in administrative cases:
- Are kept in overcrowded cells and therefore forced to sleep on the floor. Not to mention that the toilet is a hole in the ground. Privacy - nonexistent.
- They are being denied access to hygiene products - including toilet paper and menstrual products. Women are instrcuted to use torn clothing instead, but do not even have enough clothes for themselves.
- They are being denied access to medication and medical help. Persons with critical health conditions are no exception. Political prisoners are not allowed to receive any packages from outside of prison.
- There is little to no chance to receive legal assistance from lawyers and advocates
- They are met with violence: Political prisoners can be beaten, deprived of sleep - outlawed for the arbitrariness of the prison guards.
- They can be randomly transfered to „punishment cells“. Cold and damp cells without beds and without light - to be shared with actual criminals. Some guards like to pour chlorinated detergents in there to create a suffocating smell for the whole day.
For prisoners for criminal cases in pre-trial detention centers and penal colonies conditions are slightly better. Although even there the administration has complete power over the prisoners:
- Prisoners are deprived of contact with the outside world, they do not see their relatives for years, Correspondence is artificially limited (letters being held back)
- The can only see relatives in court sessions — but even there they cannot communicate or even touch each other. Recently, political affairs in court are kept closed in order to eliminate this possibility as well.
- Prisoners do not have access to news and the latest independent press because almost all independent print press has been eliminated and prisoners do not have access to the Internet. Often the only source of news for prisoners is state TV channels, which distort information and present it in a biased manner.
- access to lawyers is difficult due to obstacles created by the administration.
In addition, the administration of correctional institutions have many levers of pressure:
- from arbitrary bans on correspondence and the press
- to transfers to punishment cells and "special" cells. These cells contain inmates who cooperate with the administration and carry out their instructions in order to create unbearable conditions for the prisoners.
- In addition, those who disagree with the pressure of the administration can be kept in places of deprivation of liberty indefinitely, constantly re-judging them under Act 411 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, "Malignant disobedience to the legal requirements of the administration of the correctional institution." There are cases when people were re-judged under this article for a total of ten or more years in addition to a short period (for example, a person served 13 instead of 2 years). This article is often applied to political prisoners who actively defend their rights in places of deprivation of liberty or whom the administration or some security forces simply disliked.
- Political prisoners are put on the so-called "offences preventive list". This means that almost all the time when they are outside their cells they are forced to move in handcuffs and perform several other degrading procedures — for example, to leave the cell and say that they are "prone to extremism and other destructive actions" every morning.
The rules for keeping prisoners are constantly changing. For example,
- they have recently banned non-relatives of prisoners from making transfers to the colony, in the pre-trial detention center they banned subscriptions to print publications, they also tightened the rules for postages. This was done, obviously, to further worsen the conditions of detention of prisoners, especially political prisoners.
Arbitrary penal sentences
Arbitrary sentences from courts, secret services, cruel conditions in prisons - what is happening in Belarus reminds one of the STASI of the GDR. But how can we decipher what is happening right now?
Here, you can find everything about Criminal Prosecution for Political Reasons in Belarus (2020-2021) in an in-depth analysis made by the human rights center VIASNA.
Additionally, many of the punishments in Belarus cannot be translated into EU law. That is why we tried to describe them as best we can:
Here, you can find everything about Criminal Prosecution for Political Reasons in Belarus (2020-2021) in an in-depth analysis made by the human rights center VIASNA.
Additionally, many of the punishments in Belarus cannot be translated into EU law. That is why we tried to describe them as best we can:
- Correctional Colonies - Those are prison institutions, where most of the twelve people are held. The detainees are to be "readjusted" here and perform punitive work. Read more about prison conditions above.
- Khimia - "The open-prison system is known across the former Soviet Union as khimia (chemistry), a name that goes back to the late 1940s, when convicts were sent to work at dangerous industries, mainly chemical factories, and allowed to live in special dormitories instead of being incarcerated in penitentiaries. These days, a khimia sentence means that a convict will stay in a dormitory not far from their permanent address and work either at their workplace as usual or at a state entity defined by the penitentiary service" - as described by Radio Liberty.
- Karcer / Special Detention Cell - This is a particularly perfidious way of punishing prisoners in Belarus, which dates back to the time of the tsars: without contact with the outside world (including letters and parcels from relatives) and with much poorer food compared to other prisoners. For political prisoners, this means that they can no longer receive food parcels either.
12 NOVEMBER
Exactly one year ago, the Belarusian capital Minsk was swept by raids. Their target: Belarusian students and young activists.
Black Thursday for Belarusian Students
9:20 am - Alana Gebremariam writes that the security forces are breaking into her place. Ten more people are arrested within three hours. Several other people report that security officials are coming to their home. Most of them could not escape.
12:00 am - Student chats and independent news channels spread information about the break ins, detentions and searches of student activists.
9:55 pm - Final reports summarize the detention of eleven people: three men and eight women. All of them were taken away to the KGB detention center for questioning. Nobody knows yet, that they will be locked away for over 2 years ...
12:00 am - Student chats and independent news channels spread information about the break ins, detentions and searches of student activists.
9:55 pm - Final reports summarize the detention of eleven people: three men and eight women. All of them were taken away to the KGB detention center for questioning. Nobody knows yet, that they will be locked away for over 2 years ...
I remember that day, the twelfth of November. The backlash began.
Memories of a participant in the student protests
In the morning I learned that they had started taking students from their flats. The news about house searches and arrests started flooding in. I left my apartment with a minimum of my belongings.
I sat down in a café with wifi. I was horrified to discover news about the death of Raman Bandarenka. He had defended protest symbols in his courtyard from security forces. The riot police had beaten him to death.
In the evening I ran away from OMON again. I was at a memorial service for Raman, the police wanted to stop us.
I sat down in a café with wifi. I was horrified to discover news about the death of Raman Bandarenka. He had defended protest symbols in his courtyard from security forces. The riot police had beaten him to death.
In the evening I ran away from OMON again. I was at a memorial service for Raman, the police wanted to stop us.
Only three days later, our last march together took place. People made their way in crowds of hundreds to the place of Bandarenka's death. What followed were the cruellest mass arrests since the demonstrations began. The security forces fired without warning. Nobody knew, what would happen to the students.
The 12th of November divided the student movement into a before and an after. It became clear that the authorities saw us as a threat and were ready to fight us by all means. But they did not stop there. On the 27th of November, Tania Ekelchik was arrested.
All the detained activists were later transferred to Remand Prison No. 1 on Volodarskogo Street in the centre of Minsk. We received regularly letters from there. In the weeks and months that followed, repression and torture continued. The news portal TUT. BY was cracked down. Most of my friends and relatives left the country. The number of political prisoners grew rapidly: 200, 500, 800... But it all started with the 12th of November, 2020.
The 12th of November divided the student movement into a before and an after. It became clear that the authorities saw us as a threat and were ready to fight us by all means. But they did not stop there. On the 27th of November, Tania Ekelchik was arrested.
All the detained activists were later transferred to Remand Prison No. 1 on Volodarskogo Street in the centre of Minsk. We received regularly letters from there. In the weeks and months that followed, repression and torture continued. The news portal TUT. BY was cracked down. Most of my friends and relatives left the country. The number of political prisoners grew rapidly: 200, 500, 800... But it all started with the 12th of November, 2020.
12 PEOPLE
9 young women - 3 young men. On average 23 years old.
The youngest are only 20 - Kasia, Yana, Ilya, Tanya and Asja.
Olya Filatchenka, 42, has two underage kids.
The youngest are only 20 - Kasia, Yana, Ilya, Tanya and Asja.
Olya Filatchenka, 42, has two underage kids.
They were deprived of their freedom, their opportunity to study, their families and friends - because they chose justice over silence.
All of the twelve convicted spoke out against the violence and lawlessness that swept Belarus in August 2020. They were advocating for a diplomatic dialogue between the protesting students and institutional authorities / university administrations.
Their arrests, trials and prison sentences were clearly politically motivated. None of this would have happened in a democratic country.
Who are these 12 people? By clicking on the photo, you will open their personal page. Click on their name to read their story!
ANASTASIYA BULYBENKA
Date of birth: September 23, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
For 2 years she had been studying at the BNTU at the Mechanical Engineering faculty. The first time she was arrested on October 17, 2020, she was sentenced to 10 days and expelled from the university. For the second time - November 12, 2020. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Bulybenko Anastasia Alexandrovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
For 2 years she had been studying at the BNTU at the Mechanical Engineering faculty. The first time she was arrested on October 17, 2020, she was sentenced to 10 days and expelled from the university. For the second time - November 12, 2020. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Bulybenko Anastasia Alexandrovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Asya is a dreamer, with great faith in justice and good. Courageous and loyal, funny and open to everything new. She is fond of drawing - during her time “outside the home” she found her own style. She really likes Remarque. Books for Asya became her salvation - different styles and genres, the opportunity to discuss with neighbours and compare views and perceptions.
She was very afraid to sleep after her sentence in October 2020. Anxiety became Asya's constant companion. She was shuddering from sudden sounds and noises.
She was very afraid to sleep after her sentence in October 2020. Anxiety became Asya's constant companion. She was shuddering from sudden sounds and noises.
There were days when everything seemed bleak, when it seemed hard to breathe. But Asya never gave up and said: "The main thing is not to let the prison into you, to look through the bars." She supports me in every letter, tries very hard to bring a smile, even though we agreed to write truthfully to each other about our lives apart.
Oksana, Nastya's mother
Oksana, Nastya's mother
YANA ARABEIKA
Date of birth: January 17, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (if on time): 30/11/2022
She studied at BSPU on the speciality "Fine arts, drawing and folk art crafts". Participant of the Belarusian Students' Association. Arrested on November 12, 2020. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Orobeiko Yana Ivanovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (if on time): 30/11/2022
She studied at BSPU on the speciality "Fine arts, drawing and folk art crafts". Participant of the Belarusian Students' Association. Arrested on November 12, 2020. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Orobeiko Yana Ivanovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Yana is extraordinary. Very sincere and vulnerable, gentle, but at the same time persistent and strong. I’m just crazy about her, honestly. She loves to knit and in general, all kinds of handicrafts, interesting books and facts. She also draws and makes all sorts of paper applications. For example, several times she invented something for me — on the birthday she made a cap in the Detention Center (with a cord!!), and also a hugging paper, that is, she measured the reach of her arms and made a thing with the help of stickers from fruits, so that I could imagine that we are hugging. She also loves to learn and teach.
She tries so hard to support me! She worries about me all the time, does not ask for anything, only asks how everyone is doing and whether I’m coping.
And in general, she was always very worried about everyone, that is … she is the kind of person who sincerely does not understand why all this brutality and cruelty is around.
She finds good things in little things, for example, she is glad that the correctional colony is not as scary as she thought and she is even more comfortable than in the pre-trial detention center.
Valera, Yana’s friend
She finds good things in little things, for example, she is glad that the correctional colony is not as scary as she thought and she is even more comfortable than in the pre-trial detention center.
Valera, Yana’s friend
ILLIA TRAKHTENBERG
Date of birth: October 10, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Ilya is a student of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of the Belarusian State University. On October 30, he was illegally expelled because of his participation in the student movement. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 15.
Address for letters: Trakhtenberg Ilya Vitalievich. IK-15, 212 013, Belarus, g. Mogilev, Veino, Slavgorodskoe sh. 183 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Ilya is a student of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of the Belarusian State University. On October 30, he was illegally expelled because of his participation in the student movement. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 15.
Address for letters: Trakhtenberg Ilya Vitalievich. IK-15, 212 013, Belarus, g. Mogilev, Veino, Slavgorodskoe sh. 183 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Ilya is very principled. He always defends his point of view. He is also an honest, funny, and simply a good person. Kind, self-confident. He values sincerity in people. He is very tolerant of people, never judges them and quickly forgives.
He is fond of architecture, cooking, music, memes. Since childhood, he has played the guitar, in high school he recorded his own album.
Ilya is an optimist, is very open-minded, you can discuss any topic with him.
He is fond of architecture, cooking, music, memes. Since childhood, he has played the guitar, in high school he recorded his own album.
Ilya is an optimist, is very open-minded, you can discuss any topic with him.
In prison, he approached his leisure time very responsibly. He reads a lot. He mentioned Dovlatov, Pelevin, Jeff Dyer, the history of Belarus and architecture magazines.
He solves sudoku, word puzzles, plays checkers/chess. Writes lyrics, does not forget to keep fit.
He solves sudoku, word puzzles, plays checkers/chess. Writes lyrics, does not forget to keep fit.
TATSIANA YEKELCHYK
Date of birth: November 1, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 15/12/2022
Student of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of BSU. Arrested on November 26, 2020, 14 days after the arrest of all the others. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Ekelchyk Tatiana Andreevna
246 035, Belarus, g. Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 15/12/2022
Student of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of BSU. Arrested on November 26, 2020, 14 days after the arrest of all the others. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Ekelchyk Tatiana Andreevna
246 035, Belarus, g. Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Tanya is very kind. She worried about the detained students from her faculty, she tried to help, contact relatives. She believes in mankind’s honesty. Tanya liked to study at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of BSU. She wants to continue her studies after getting out.
Tanya is very persistent and even stubborn. But perseverance serves her well now. In the pre-trial detention center and in the correctional colony, she does not lose her presence of mind, maintains her own rules of life, regularly trains and even remains a vegetarian. And her cellmates are joining her.
Tanya is very persistent and even stubborn. But perseverance serves her well now. In the pre-trial detention center and in the correctional colony, she does not lose her presence of mind, maintains her own rules of life, regularly trains and even remains a vegetarian. And her cellmates are joining her.
Tanya’s hobby is dancing. She has been dancing all her life. She started dancing in kindergarten and is still doing it. Her other hobby is sports, or rather, fitness. Tanya took part in the sports festival of the Belarusian State University, defended the honour of the faculty in powerlifting competitions, and took second place. In the pre-trial detention center, she suffered the most from lack of movement and physical exercise.
Tanya’s mother, Olga
Tanya’s mother, Olga
ALANA GEBREMARIAM
Date of birth: March 7, 1997
Age: 24 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Graduate of the Dental Faculty of the Belarusian State Medical University. She could not find a job in her specialty because of being a civic activist. In August 2020, she joined the Coordination Council and became Tikhanovskaya’s assistant on youth affairs. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Gebremariam Alana Tadege
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 24 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Graduate of the Dental Faculty of the Belarusian State Medical University. She could not find a job in her specialty because of being a civic activist. In August 2020, she joined the Coordination Council and became Tikhanovskaya’s assistant on youth affairs. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Gebremariam Alana Tadege
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Alana is very kind and in fact very vulnerable. That is, it might seem that she is some kind of fighter, but she never was. Alana is also, you know, a little capricious, but it’s cute. She was always very worried, upset, couldn’t sleep at night worrying how to make everything "perfect", and then she was upset because the ideal was unattainable.
We always had fun together, she understood my jokes, we chatted and giggled a lot.
We always had fun together, she understood my jokes, we chatted and giggled a lot.
And what always surprised me about her is that she really believed in the law. In the sense that she believed that everything must be done according to the law, so that the law is observed, and so on. That is, she was always for peace and unity, did not hate anyone and did not even despise anyone, she remained true to herself.
In short, Alana is extraordinary. Please, write her letters, she misses everyone and she is sometimes sad.
Valera, friend of Alana
In short, Alana is extraordinary. Please, write her letters, she misses everyone and she is sometimes sad.
Valera, friend of Alana
MARYIA KALENIK
Date of birth: June 1, 1998
Age: 23 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Maria Viktorovna Kalenik is a student of the Belarusian State Academy of Arts. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Kalenik Maria Viktorovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian). allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 23 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Maria Viktorovna Kalenik is a student of the Belarusian State Academy of Arts. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Kalenik Maria Viktorovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian). allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Masha is very sincere and she loves animals. As a teenager after classes, she went to the stable every day and looked after horses. And our cat would not go to bed without her if Masha returned home late. He sat opposite the front door and meowed loudly. Masha also loves small children and enjoys working with them.
It is very important for Masha to look neat no matter what. And she succeeds! Even after spending a year in prison, she looks like she just came from university classes. She says that this calms her down and that this is also her way of protesting.
Masha was afraid that she would be forgotten and left without support, without pills, vitamins, or everyday items.
It is very important for Masha to look neat no matter what. And she succeeds! Even after spending a year in prison, she looks like she just came from university classes. She says that this calms her down and that this is also her way of protesting.
Masha was afraid that she would be forgotten and left without support, without pills, vitamins, or everyday items.
She was afraid that she would be separated from her friend, whom she met in her cell, and that everything would be in vain and nothing would change, that the struggle had been in vain. She was afraid of the long term and she was afraid for the health of loved ones. She was afraid that she would have to carry heavy things in the correctional colony. At the same time, she surprises us with her resilience and tells little about her fears. Masha is going to serve her term steadfastly and all the time she cheers her loved ones, but when in a bad mood she does not even write a letter.
KSENIA SYRAMALOT
Date of birth: December 19, 1999
Age: 21 years
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Student of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences of the Belarusian State University, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Students' Association, volunteer of the Human Rights Center "Viasna". Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Syramalot Ksenia Alexandrovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian). allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 21 years
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Student of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences of the Belarusian State University, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Students' Association, volunteer of the Human Rights Center "Viasna". Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Syramalot Ksenia Alexandrovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian). allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Ksenia is very pleasant to listen to. This is a person who creates discussion and explains his arguments as clearly as possible. I remember that even the topic of face creams or relationships turned into some kind of public debate, because she always tried to explain her position as accurately and clearly as possible. She is very interesting to speak with. She is smart and it seems to me that her kindness and courage were a deliberate, intelligent choice — every day she decided what kind of person she should be.
A person of goodness! She knows how to support, knows how to be there or how to say the right words. It still seems to me that in her heart there was a place for everyone. Her support was honest, again it is about her choice.
A person of goodness! She knows how to support, knows how to be there or how to say the right words. It still seems to me that in her heart there was a place for everyone. Her support was honest, again it is about her choice.
This kind of honesty helps in creativity. I was lucky to have read several chapters of her prose, as well as poems from "Maladost". It is sad that the magazine did not show solidarity with one of its authors. But she was hardly expecting it.
Ksenia for me is an example of education, youth and freedom.
Ksenia for me is an example of education, youth and freedom.
YAHOR KANETSKI
Date of birth: June 28, 1999
Age: 22 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Student of the Faculty of Biology of the Belarusian State University, a member of the Belarusian Students' Association, an activist of the "Free Trade Union". Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Kanetski Egor Olegovich
IK-3, 211 300, Belarus, v. Vitba, Vitebsk region, Vitebsk district (only russian or belarusian)
Age: 22 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Student of the Faculty of Biology of the Belarusian State University, a member of the Belarusian Students' Association, an activist of the "Free Trade Union". Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Kanetski Egor Olegovich
IK-3, 211 300, Belarus, v. Vitba, Vitebsk region, Vitebsk district (only russian or belarusian)
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Egor is a simple intelligent guy with a strong sense of justice. Independent in the fullest sense of the word: from the age of 15 he lived and studied alone in Minsk. My son says that a person should be able to live in any condition. He knows how to cook, organizes his life himself. He likes to cook meat, experiments with spices. Once he asked his grandmother for a recipe for cottage cheese cookies.
He travels whenever possible. During the time of imprisonment, he was "addicted" to reading books and writing letters. My son is holding it together, he is calm. There is a lot of positivity in his letters, he tries to calm us down, to joke. I call his letters "psychotherapeutic"!
Alla, Egor’s mother
Alla, Egor’s mother
HLEB FITSNER
Date of birth: March 1, 1999
Age: 22 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/05/2022 (approx.)
A fourth-year student at the Minsk State Linguistic University. Arrested on November 12. He is the only one who pleaded guilty, but he did not incriminate other defendants. Sentenced to 2 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 17.
Address for letters:
Fitsner Gleb Dmitrievich
IK-17, 213 004, Belarus, Shklov, ul. 1st Factory, 8 (allowed only russian or belarusian language)
Age: 22 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/05/2022 (approx.)
A fourth-year student at the Minsk State Linguistic University. Arrested on November 12. He is the only one who pleaded guilty, but he did not incriminate other defendants. Sentenced to 2 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 17.
Address for letters:
Fitsner Gleb Dmitrievich
IK-17, 213 004, Belarus, Shklov, ul. 1st Factory, 8 (allowed only russian or belarusian language)
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He is a person who somehow unites people imperceptibly. This is a guy with clear personal ambitions who is ready to work and defend them. A person with an analytical mindset, a pillar of strength. Gleb is very interested in economics and finance, it is always very interesting to talk and argue with him. He has a wide knowledge, we even jokingly call him "an expert in everything".
He also has a very kind heart. He never had conflicts with teachers, and if there were any disputes, then Gleb behaved extremely diplomatically. For all his serious image, Gleb is a person whose ability to laugh at himself can only be envied.
He also has a very kind heart. He never had conflicts with teachers, and if there were any disputes, then Gleb behaved extremely diplomatically. For all his serious image, Gleb is a person whose ability to laugh at himself can only be envied.
Once, on March 8, Gleb was late for a class. He came with 14 boxes of chocolates and the words "You are the best thing that happened in my life." Gleb, if you ever read this, you should know that you are the very best thing that happened to us! (* tears of 13 girls *) That is why we want to call him not just a "groupmate", but a real friend.
VIKTORYIA HRANKOUSKAYA
Date of birth: 5 July 1996
Age: 25 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
A former student of the Belarusian National Technical University who was expelled during the autumn protests in Belarus. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Hrankouskaya Victoria Ivanovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 25 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
A former student of the Belarusian National Technical University who was expelled during the autumn protests in Belarus. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Hrankouskaya Victoria Ivanovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Vika is a very kind, sympathetic and caring person, always ready to help. She is incredibly jolly and cheerful. Everyone who was in the courtroom noted that no one smiled more than Vika did. She kept eyeing people and making faces. Vika is extremely stubborn. An ardent fighter for justice, which has repeatedly manifested itself at the university. She is alive. This is the first thing that comes to my mind. Or even better is the word "spark".
Very autonomous and independent, but at the same time very tender in any kind of close relationships. It’s great to be friends with Vika. She always shares her emotions and experiences and she will always listen to you with pleasure and support you.
Very autonomous and independent, but at the same time very tender in any kind of close relationships. It’s great to be friends with Vika. She always shares her emotions and experiences and she will always listen to you with pleasure and support you.
Vika loves Harry Potter. She read all the books and watched every part of the film a million times. She loves something magical, where good triumphs over evil. Vika reads a lot in prison.
After being detained for 24 hours in September, for a long time she often turned around in the streets. All the time it seemed to her that people were following her. But who among the Belarusians did not feel something similar?
After being detained for 24 hours in September, for a long time she often turned around in the streets. All the time it seemed to her that people were following her. But who among the Belarusians did not feel something similar?
KASIA BUDZKO
Date of birth: May 25, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
An activist, participant of the Belarusian Students' Association, student of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Budzko Kasia Vitalievna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
An activist, participant of the Belarusian Students' Association, student of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Budzko Kasia Vitalievna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Kasia is super-duper. She is very active, kind, but at the same time very modest. Any social action costs her a lot, she always thinks very carefully about how to behave with whom, what to say. She loves a lot of things: drawing, riding a bike, rolls with spinach, nature, her family, friends, watching YouTube and TikTok, watching art-house films, lentil cutlets, tasteless chips. It is difficult to mention everything, there wouldn’t be enough space.
She did not want to be in a correctional colony. She was always afraid of the very situation in which she has found herself. But perhaps most of all she was afraid of violence. Kasia always said that she would not resist if anything happened because she didn’t want to be hurt.
She did not want to be in a correctional colony. She was always afraid of the very situation in which she has found herself. But perhaps most of all she was afraid of violence. Kasia always said that she would not resist if anything happened because she didn’t want to be hurt.
And she is also afraid for her future, she is very worried that she has lost 2.5 years and does not understand what happens next.
Kase does not like being in the correctional colony. She writes that it sucks there: you have to do something all the time, and you don’t have much time for yourself.
Kase does not like being in the correctional colony. She writes that it sucks there: you have to do something all the time, and you don’t have much time for yourself.
VOLHA FILATCHANKAVA
Date of birth: April 6, 1979
Age: 42 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Teacher at BSUIR. A participant in the video message of BSUIR "Teachers Against Violence", took part in the strike. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Filatchankava Olga Alekseevna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 42 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Teacher at BSUIR. A participant in the video message of BSUIR "Teachers Against Violence", took part in the strike. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Filatchankava Olga Alekseevna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Click on the name to see a story about her. Click again to return.
Olga is an educated person, but with her own view of things. Integrity and consistency in words and actions are inherent traits of her character. And also — independence in opinion, honesty, decency and justice in actions, respect for the thoughts, feelings and choices of other people. Olga did not even download e-books from the Internet for free, but bought them honestly, and informed the authors so that they knew and were not deceived. She wants these qualities to be not an exception, but a rule in our society.
But along with this, she is distinguished by stubbornness and some arrogance. It is very difficult to argue with her — she knows better and is always confident in herself. But you can convince her in some things.
But along with this, she is distinguished by stubbornness and some arrogance. It is very difficult to argue with her — she knows better and is always confident in herself. But you can convince her in some things.
Olya is a very well-rounded, interested, talented person. The sphere of her hobbies is largely connected with the traditional culture of Belarusians: authentic songs, scenic dances, folk traditions, holidays, rituals. She tried to sow elements of the traditions through wearing a costume with a special knitted belt, and made a ‘kalyadnaya zorka' - a group which went from house to house, singing carols and wishing the owners all kinds of prosperity.
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ANASTASIYA BULYBENKA
Date of birth: September 23, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
For 2 years she had been studying at the BNTU at the Mechanical Engineering faculty. The first time she was arrested on October 17, 2020, she was sentenced to 10 days and expelled from the university. For the second time — November 12, 2020. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Bulybenko Anastasia Alexandrovna
246 035, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (letters allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
For 2 years she had been studying at the BNTU at the Mechanical Engineering faculty. The first time she was arrested on October 17, 2020, she was sentenced to 10 days and expelled from the university. For the second time — November 12, 2020. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Bulybenko Anastasia Alexandrovna
246 035, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (letters allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Mother about Asya
Asya is a dreamer, with great faith in justice and good. Courageous and loyal, funny and open to everything new. She is fond of drawing — during her time "outside the home" she found her own style. She really likes Remarque. Books for Asya became her salvation — different styles and genres, the opportunity to discuss with neighbours and compare views and perceptions.
She was very afraid to sleep after her sentence in October 2020. Anxiety became Asya’s constant companion. She was shuddering from sudden sounds and noises.
There were days when everything seemed bleak, when it seemed hard to breathe. But Asya never gave up and said: "The main thing is not to let the prison into you, to look through the bars." She supports me in every letter, tries very hard to bring a smile, even though we agreed to write truthfully to each other about our lives apart.
Oksana, Nastya’s mother
She was very afraid to sleep after her sentence in October 2020. Anxiety became Asya’s constant companion. She was shuddering from sudden sounds and noises.
There were days when everything seemed bleak, when it seemed hard to breathe. But Asya never gave up and said: "The main thing is not to let the prison into you, to look through the bars." She supports me in every letter, tries very hard to bring a smile, even though we agreed to write truthfully to each other about our lives apart.
Oksana, Nastya’s mother
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YANA ARABEIKA
Date of birth: January 17, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (if on time): 30/11/2022
She studied at BSPU on the speciality "Fine arts, drawing and folk art crafts". Participant of the Belarusian Students' Association. Arrested on November 12, 2020. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Arabeika Yana Ivanovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (if on time): 30/11/2022
She studied at BSPU on the speciality "Fine arts, drawing and folk art crafts". Participant of the Belarusian Students' Association. Arrested on November 12, 2020. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Arabeika Yana Ivanovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Друг Яны про неё
Yana is extraordinary. Very sincere and vulnerable, gentle, but at the same time persistent and strong. I’m just crazy about her, honestly. She loves to knit and in general, all kinds of handicrafts, interesting books and facts. She also draws and makes all sorts of paper applications. For example, several times she invented something for me — on the birthday she made a cap in the Detention Center (with a cord!!), and also a hugging paper, that is, she measured the reach of her arms and made a thing with the help of stickers from fruits, so that I could imagine that we are hugging. She also loves to learn and teach.
She tries so hard to support me! She worries about me all the time, does not ask for anything, only asks how everyone is doing and whether I’m coping.
And in general, she was always very worried about everyone, that is … she is the kind of person who sincerely does not understand why all this brutality and cruelty is around, if you have an option to live without them.
She finds good things in little things, for example, she is glad that the correctional colony is not as scary as she thought and she is even more comfortable than in the pre-trial detention center.
Valera, Yana’s friend
She tries so hard to support me! She worries about me all the time, does not ask for anything, only asks how everyone is doing and whether I’m coping.
And in general, she was always very worried about everyone, that is … she is the kind of person who sincerely does not understand why all this brutality and cruelty is around, if you have an option to live without them.
She finds good things in little things, for example, she is glad that the correctional colony is not as scary as she thought and she is even more comfortable than in the pre-trial detention center.
Valera, Yana’s friend
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ILLIA TRAKHTENBERG
Date of birth: October 10, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Ilya Vitalievich Trakhtenberg is a student of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of the Belarusian State University. On October 30, he was illegally expelled because of his participation in the student movement. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 15.
Address for letters:
Trakhtenberg Ilya Vitalievich
IK-15, 212 013, Belarus, g. Mogilev, Veino, Slavgorodskoe sh. 183 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Ilya Vitalievich Trakhtenberg is a student of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of the Belarusian State University. On October 30, he was illegally expelled because of his participation in the student movement. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 15.
Address for letters:
Trakhtenberg Ilya Vitalievich
IK-15, 212 013, Belarus, g. Mogilev, Veino, Slavgorodskoe sh. 183 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Ilya: who is he
Ilya is very principled. He always defends his point of view. He is also an honest, funny, and simply a good person. Kind, self-confident. He values sincerity in people. He is very tolerant of people, never judges them and quickly forgives.
He is fond of architecture, cooking, music, memes. Since childhood, he has played the guitar, in high school he recorded his own album.
Ilya is an optimist, is very open-minded, you can discuss any topic with him.
In prison, he approached his leisure time very responsibly. He reads a lot. He mentioned Dovlatov, Pelevin, Jeff Dyer, the history of Belarus and architecture magazines.
He solves sudoku, word puzzles, plays checkers/chess. Writes lyrics, does not forget to keep fit.
He is fond of architecture, cooking, music, memes. Since childhood, he has played the guitar, in high school he recorded his own album.
Ilya is an optimist, is very open-minded, you can discuss any topic with him.
In prison, he approached his leisure time very responsibly. He reads a lot. He mentioned Dovlatov, Pelevin, Jeff Dyer, the history of Belarus and architecture magazines.
He solves sudoku, word puzzles, plays checkers/chess. Writes lyrics, does not forget to keep fit.
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TATSIANA YEKELCHYK
Date of birth: November 1, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 15/12/2022
Student of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of BSU. Arrested on November 26, 2020, 14 days after the arrest of all the others. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Ekelchyk Tatiana Andreevna
246 035, Belarus, g. Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 15/12/2022
Student of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of BSU. Arrested on November 26, 2020, 14 days after the arrest of all the others. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Ekelchyk Tatiana Andreevna
246 035, Belarus, g. Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Story about Tanya
Tanya is very kind. She worried about the detained students from her faculty, she tried to help, contact relatives. She believes in mankind’s honesty. Tanya liked to study at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of BSU. She wants to continue her studies after getting out.
Tanya is very persistent and even stubborn. But perseverance serves her well now. In the pre-trial detention center and in the correctional colony, she does not lose her presence of mind, maintains her own rules of life, regularly trains and even remains a vegetarian. And her cellmates are joining her.
Tanya’s hobby is dancing. She has been dancing all her life. She started dancing in kindergarten and is still doing it. Her other hobby is sports, or rather, fitness. Tanya took part in the sports festival of the Belarusian State University, defended the honour of the faculty in powerlifting competitions, and took second place. In the pre-trial detention center, she suffered the most from lack of movement and physical exercise.
Olga, Tanya’a mother
Tanya is very persistent and even stubborn. But perseverance serves her well now. In the pre-trial detention center and in the correctional colony, she does not lose her presence of mind, maintains her own rules of life, regularly trains and even remains a vegetarian. And her cellmates are joining her.
Tanya’s hobby is dancing. She has been dancing all her life. She started dancing in kindergarten and is still doing it. Her other hobby is sports, or rather, fitness. Tanya took part in the sports festival of the Belarusian State University, defended the honour of the faculty in powerlifting competitions, and took second place. In the pre-trial detention center, she suffered the most from lack of movement and physical exercise.
Olga, Tanya’a mother
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ALANA GEBREMARIAM
Date of birth: March 7, 1997
Age: 24 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Graduate of the Dental Faculty of the Belarusian State Medical University. She could not find a job in her specialty because of being a civic activist. In August 2020, she joined the Coordination Council and became Tikhanovskaya’s assistant on youth affairs. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Gebremariam Alana Tadege
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 24 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Graduate of the Dental Faculty of the Belarusian State Medical University. She could not find a job in her specialty because of being a civic activist. In August 2020, she joined the Coordination Council and became Tikhanovskaya’s assistant on youth affairs. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Gebremariam Alana Tadege
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Story about Alana
Alana is very kind and in fact very vulnerable. That is, it might seem that she is some kind of fighter, but she never was. Alana is also, you know, a little capricious, but it’s cute. She was always very worried, upset, couldn’t sleep at night worrying how to make everything "perfect", and then she was upset because the ideal was unattainable.
We always had fun together, she understood my jokes, we chatted and giggled a lot.
And what always surprised me about her is that she really believed in the law. In the sense that she believed that everything must be done according to the law, so that the law is observed, and so on. That is, she was always for peace and unity, did not hate anyone and did not even despise anyone, she remained true to herself.
In short, Alana is extraordinary. Please, write her letters, she misses everyone and she is sometimes sad.
Valera, friend of Alana
We always had fun together, she understood my jokes, we chatted and giggled a lot.
And what always surprised me about her is that she really believed in the law. In the sense that she believed that everything must be done according to the law, so that the law is observed, and so on. That is, she was always for peace and unity, did not hate anyone and did not even despise anyone, she remained true to herself.
In short, Alana is extraordinary. Please, write her letters, she misses everyone and she is sometimes sad.
Valera, friend of Alana
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MARYIA KALENIK
Date of birth: June 1, 1998
Age: 23 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Maria Viktorovna Kalenik is a student of the Belarusian State Academy of Arts. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Kalenik Maria Viktorovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian). allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 23 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Maria Viktorovna Kalenik is a student of the Belarusian State Academy of Arts. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Kalenik Maria Viktorovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian). allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Story about Masha
Masha is very sincere and she loves animals. As a teenager after classes, she went to the stable every day and looked after horses. And our cat would not go to bed without her if Masha returned home late. He sat opposite the front door and meowed loudly. Masha also loves small children and enjoys working with them.
It is very important for Masha to look neat no matter what. And she succeeds! Even after spending a year in prison, she looks like she just came from university classes. She says that this calms her down and that this is also her way of protesting.
Masha was afraid that she would be forgotten and left without support, without pills, vitamins, or everyday items.
She was afraid that she would be separated from her friend, whom she met in her cell, and that everything would be in vain and nothing would change, that the struggle had been in vain. She was afraid of the long term and she was afraid for the health of loved ones. She was afraid that she would have to carry heavy things in the correctional colony. At the same time, she surprises us with her resilience and tells little about her fears. Masha is going to serve her term steadfastly and all the time she cheers her loved ones, but when in a bad mood she does not even write a letter.
It is very important for Masha to look neat no matter what. And she succeeds! Even after spending a year in prison, she looks like she just came from university classes. She says that this calms her down and that this is also her way of protesting.
Masha was afraid that she would be forgotten and left without support, without pills, vitamins, or everyday items.
She was afraid that she would be separated from her friend, whom she met in her cell, and that everything would be in vain and nothing would change, that the struggle had been in vain. She was afraid of the long term and she was afraid for the health of loved ones. She was afraid that she would have to carry heavy things in the correctional colony. At the same time, she surprises us with her resilience and tells little about her fears. Masha is going to serve her term steadfastly and all the time she cheers her loved ones, but when in a bad mood she does not even write a letter.
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KSENIA SYRAMALOT
Date of birth: December 19, 1999
Age: 21 years
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Student of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences of the Belarusian State University, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Students' Association, volunteer of the Human Rights Center "Viasna". Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Syramalot Ksenia Alexandrovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian). allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 21 years
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Student of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences of the Belarusian State University, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Students' Association, volunteer of the Human Rights Center "Viasna". Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Syramalot Ksenia Alexandrovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian). allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Story about Ksusha
Ksenia is very pleasant to listen to. This is a person who creates discussion and explains his arguments as clearly as possible. I remember that even the topic of face creams or relationships turned into some kind of public debate, because she always tried to explain her position as accurately and clearly as possible. She is very interesting to speak with. She is smart and it seems to me that her kindness and courage were a deliberate, intelligent choice — every day she decided what kind of person she should be.
A person of goodness! She knows how to support, knows how to be there or how to say the right words. It still seems to me that in her heart there was a place for everyone. Her support was honest, again it is about her choice.
This kind of honesty helps in creativity. I was lucky to have read several chapters of her prose, as well as poems from "Maladost". It is sad that the magazine did not show solidarity with one of its authors. But she was hardly expecting it.
Ksenia for me is an example of education, youth and freedom.
A person of goodness! She knows how to support, knows how to be there or how to say the right words. It still seems to me that in her heart there was a place for everyone. Her support was honest, again it is about her choice.
This kind of honesty helps in creativity. I was lucky to have read several chapters of her prose, as well as poems from "Maladost". It is sad that the magazine did not show solidarity with one of its authors. But she was hardly expecting it.
Ksenia for me is an example of education, youth and freedom.
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YAHOR KANETSKI
Date of birth: June 28, 1999
Age: 22 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Student of the Faculty of Biology of the Belarusian State University, a member of the Belarusian Students' Association, an activist of the "Free Trade Union". Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Kanetski Egor Olegovich
IK-3, 211 300, Belarus, v. Vitba, Vitebsk region, Vitebsk district (only russian or belarusian)
Age: 22 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Student of the Faculty of Biology of the Belarusian State University, a member of the Belarusian Students' Association, an activist of the "Free Trade Union". Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Kanetski Egor Olegovich
IK-3, 211 300, Belarus, v. Vitba, Vitebsk region, Vitebsk district (only russian or belarusian)
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Mother about Yahor
Egor is a simple intelligent guy with a strong sense of justice. Independent in the fullest sense of the word: from the age of 15 he lived and studied alone in Minsk. My son says that a person should be able to live in any condition. He knows how to cook, organizes his life himself. He likes to cook meat, experiments with spices. Once he asked his grandmother for a recipe for cottage cheese cookies.
He travels whenever possible. During the time of imprisonment, he was "addicted" to reading books and writing letters. My son is holding it together, he is calm. There is a lot of positivity in his letters, he tries to calm us down, to joke. I call his letters "psychotherapeutic"!
Alla, Egor’s mother
He travels whenever possible. During the time of imprisonment, he was "addicted" to reading books and writing letters. My son is holding it together, he is calm. There is a lot of positivity in his letters, he tries to calm us down, to joke. I call his letters "psychotherapeutic"!
Alla, Egor’s mother
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HLEB FITSNER
Date of birth: March 1, 1999
Age: 22 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/05/2022 (approx.)
A fourth-year student at the Minsk State Linguistic University. Arrested on November 12. He is the only one who pleaded guilty, but he did not incriminate other defendants. Sentenced to 2 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 17.
Address for letters:
Fitsner Gleb Dmitrievich
IK-17, 213 004, Belarus, Shklov, ul. 1st Factory, 8 (allowed only russian or belarusian language)
Age: 22 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/05/2022 (approx.)
A fourth-year student at the Minsk State Linguistic University. Arrested on November 12. He is the only one who pleaded guilty, but he did not incriminate other defendants. Sentenced to 2 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 17.
Address for letters:
Fitsner Gleb Dmitrievich
IK-17, 213 004, Belarus, Shklov, ul. 1st Factory, 8 (allowed only russian or belarusian language)
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Single groups tell about Hleb
He is a person who somehow unites people imperceptibly. This is a guy with clear personal ambitions who is ready to work and defend them. A person with an analytical mindset, a pillar of strength. Gleb is very interested in economics and finance, it is always very interesting to talk and argue with him. He has a wide knowledge, we even jokingly call him "an expert in everything".
He also has a very kind heart. He never had conflicts with teachers, and if there were any disputes, then Gleb behaved extremely diplomatically. For all his serious image, Gleb is a person whose ability to laugh at himself can only be envied.
Once, on March 8, Gleb was late for a class. He came with 14 boxes of chocolates and the words "You are the best thing that happened in my life." Gleb, if you ever read this, you should know that you are the very best thing that happened to us! (* tears of 13 girls *) That is why we want to call him not just a "groupmate", but a real friend.
He also has a very kind heart. He never had conflicts with teachers, and if there were any disputes, then Gleb behaved extremely diplomatically. For all his serious image, Gleb is a person whose ability to laugh at himself can only be envied.
Once, on March 8, Gleb was late for a class. He came with 14 boxes of chocolates and the words "You are the best thing that happened in my life." Gleb, if you ever read this, you should know that you are the very best thing that happened to us! (* tears of 13 girls *) That is why we want to call him not just a "groupmate", but a real friend.
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VIKTORYIA HRANKOUSKAYA
Date of birth: 5 July 1996
Age: 25 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
A former student of the Belarusian National Technical University who was expelled during the autumn protests in Belarus. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Hrankouskaya Victoria Ivanovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 25 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
A former student of the Belarusian National Technical University who was expelled during the autumn protests in Belarus. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Hrankouskaya Victoria Ivanovna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Story about Vika
Vika is a very kind, sympathetic and caring person, always ready to help. She is incredibly jolly and cheerful. Everyone who was in the courtroom noted that no one smiled more than Vika did. She kept eyeing people and making faces. Vika is extremely stubborn. An ardent fighter for justice, which has repeatedly manifested itself at the university. She is alive. This is the first thing that comes to my mind. Or even better is the word "spark".
Very autonomous and independent, but at the same time very tender in any kind of close relationships. It’s great to be friends with Vika. She always shares her emotions and experiences and she will always listen to you with pleasure and support you.
Vika loves Harry Potter. She read all the books and watched every part of the film a million times. She loves something magical, where good triumphs over evil. Vika reads a lot in prison.
After being detained for 24 hours in September, for a long time she often turned around in the streets. All the time it seemed to her that people were following her. But who among the Belarusians did not feel something similar?
Very autonomous and independent, but at the same time very tender in any kind of close relationships. It’s great to be friends with Vika. She always shares her emotions and experiences and she will always listen to you with pleasure and support you.
Vika loves Harry Potter. She read all the books and watched every part of the film a million times. She loves something magical, where good triumphs over evil. Vika reads a lot in prison.
After being detained for 24 hours in September, for a long time she often turned around in the streets. All the time it seemed to her that people were following her. But who among the Belarusians did not feel something similar?
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KASIA BUDZKO
Date of birth: May 25, 2001
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
An activist, participant of the Belarusian Students' Association, student of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Budzko Kasia Vitalievna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 20 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
An activist, participant of the Belarusian Students' Association, student of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Budzko Kasia Vitalievna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Story about Kasia
Kasia is super-duper. She is very active, kind, but at the same time very modest. Any social action costs her a lot, she always thinks very carefully about how to behave with whom, what to say. She loves a lot of things: drawing, riding a bike, rolls with spinach, nature, her family, friends, watching YouTube and TikTok, watching art-house films, lentil cutlets, tasteless chips. It is difficult to mention everything, there wouldn’t be enough space.
She did not want to be in a correctional colony. She was always afraid of the very situation in which she has found herself. But perhaps most of all she was afraid of violence. Kasia always said that she would not resist if anything happened because she didn’t want to be hurt.
And she is also afraid for her future, she is very worried that she has lost 2.5 years and does not understand what happens next.
Kase does not like being in the correctional colony. She writes that it sucks there: you have to do something all the time, and you don’t have much time for yourself.
She did not want to be in a correctional colony. She was always afraid of the very situation in which she has found herself. But perhaps most of all she was afraid of violence. Kasia always said that she would not resist if anything happened because she didn’t want to be hurt.
And she is also afraid for her future, she is very worried that she has lost 2.5 years and does not understand what happens next.
Kase does not like being in the correctional colony. She writes that it sucks there: you have to do something all the time, and you don’t have much time for yourself.
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VOLHA FILATCHANKAVA
Date of birth: April 6, 1979
Age: 42 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Teacher at BSUIR. A participant in the video message of BSUIR "Teachers Against Violence", took part in the strike. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Filatchankava Olga Alekseevna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
Age: 42 years old
Release date (according to the imprisonment term): 30/11/2022
Teacher at BSUIR. A participant in the video message of BSUIR "Teachers Against Violence", took part in the strike. Arrested on November 12. Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. Contained in Correctional Facility No. 4.
Address for letters:
Filatchankava Olga Alekseevna
246 035, Belarus, Gomel, ul. Antoshkina, 3, IK-4 (allowed only in russian or belarusian).
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Story about Olga
Olga is an educated person, but with her own view of things. Integrity and consistency in words and actions are inherent traits of her character. And also — independence in opinion, honesty, decency and justice in actions, respect for the thoughts, feelings and choices of other people. Olga did not even download e-books from the Internet for free, but bought them honestly, and informed the authors so that they knew and were not deceived. She wants these qualities to be not an exception, but a rule in our society.
But along with this, she is distinguished by stubbornness and some arrogance. It is very difficult to argue with her — she knows better and is always confident in herself. But you can convince her in some things.
Olya is a very well-rounded, interested, talented person. The sphere of her hobbies is largely connected with the traditional culture of Belarusians: authentic songs, scenic dances, folk traditions, holidays, rituals. She tried to sow elements of the traditions through wearing a costume with a special knitted belt, and made a ‘kalyadnaya zorka' - a group which went from house to house, singing carols and wishing the owners all kinds of prosperity.
But along with this, she is distinguished by stubbornness and some arrogance. It is very difficult to argue with her — she knows better and is always confident in herself. But you can convince her in some things.
Olya is a very well-rounded, interested, talented person. The sphere of her hobbies is largely connected with the traditional culture of Belarusians: authentic songs, scenic dances, folk traditions, holidays, rituals. She tried to sow elements of the traditions through wearing a costume with a special knitted belt, and made a ‘kalyadnaya zorka' - a group which went from house to house, singing carols and wishing the owners all kinds of prosperity.
THEIR FINAL WORDS IN COURT
SPEAKING: ANASTASIA // YANA // ILYA // TATIANA //
ALANA // KSENIA // HLEB // VIKTORIYA // KASIA // OLYA
ALANA // KSENIA // HLEB // VIKTORIYA // KASIA // OLYA
Anastasiya Bulybenka and Viktoryia Hrankouskaya at an exhibition in the Minsk House of Arts. November 6th, 2020. 6 days before arrest.
You can help
spread the word
Share the stories, print out Yana's Zine and gift it to your friends! Find everything you need in our library
support our project
So that we can make our bold dreams come true to promote and develop media for young people in Belarus!
and you can support our team with a donation: bc1q0v8my59xq9kmk3qs8l5n4cy2qdmxaqrzzr8xf6 (BTC)
12 MONTHS
The letters that you will read are fragments of an exchange across prison walls, piecing together the story of twelve courageous people, who have been unrightfully imprisoned for over a year. They were robbed of years of freedom, because they chose to fight against violence and injustice. Let their stories, their struggles and smiles never be forgotten.
NOVEMBER 2020
DECEMBER 2020
"What do do when you are sad - 6 ways to be a little less sad"
You can now print out Yana's Zine, make your own little booklets and share them with your friends! On the backside, you can find a short text about Yana and a QR-Code for donations. Feel free to use this for Belarusian solidarity events.
You can find all versions in English, Russian, German and Polish, as well as folding instructions and additional material in our → library.
You can now print out Yana's Zine, make your own little booklets and share them with your friends! On the backside, you can find a short text about Yana and a QR-Code for donations. Feel free to use this for Belarusian solidarity events.
You can find all versions in English, Russian, German and Polish, as well as folding instructions and additional material in our → library.
JANUARY 2021
FEBRUARY 2021
MARCH 2021
APRIL 2021
MAY 2021
THE TRIAL BEGINS
Friday, 14th of May. The trial against the 12 convicted begins in the Palace of Justice in Minsk - a place that could not be unworthier of its name. At this point, the twelve defendants have already been locked away for six month in pre-trial detention centers.
Крыльцо Дома правосудия во время суда над студентами.
14 мая 2021 г.
Фото: ГУВД Мингорисполкома
Источник: https://reform.by/225141-diplomatov-es-ne-pustili-na-sud-po-delu-studentov
14 мая 2021 г.
Фото: ГУВД Мингорисполкома
Источник: https://reform.by/225141-diplomatov-es-ne-pustili-na-sud-po-delu-studentov
"More than 100 people gathered outside the court building before the sitting. Journalists of independent media, in particular, as well as many relatives, were not allowed inside", writes dw, "Lawyers and no more than two relatives of each defendant were allowed into the room After calls to disperse, riot police officers began to detain those gathered.
According to Minsk city executive committee, 14 people were taken to Minsk city police department who refused to "comply with the legitimate demands of the police". According to Tut.by, the detainees include Lyubov Kaspiarovich, a journalist who was preparing a report, as well as Anatol Liabedzka, former chairman of the United Civil Party."
According to Minsk city executive committee, 14 people were taken to Minsk city police department who refused to "comply with the legitimate demands of the police". According to Tut.by, the detainees include Lyubov Kaspiarovich, a journalist who was preparing a report, as well as Anatol Liabedzka, former chairman of the United Civil Party."
JUNE 2021
JULY 2021
Saturday, 17th of July. The court passes sentence on the twelve arrested. All but one person, with a 2-year sentence, are given a 2.5 - year sentence - prolonging their imprisonment for one and a half years more.
The "judge", Marina Arkadievna Fedorova, has imposed a total of 29.5 years in prison in the student trial. She is responsible for 350+ politically motivated sentences, 2,815+ imposed days of "administrative detention", 17+ years of penal work "Khimia" and fines of over 1,600 €. Today, she is on rank 84 of the EU-sanctions lists.
The trial results in 18 more months that they have to spend innocently and illegally convicted in jail. All remaining hopes for acquittal are finally lost.
AUGUST 2021
SEPTEMBER 2021
A Story about a Flower
"Attention! This comic doesn't not bear any intention except for wanting to make you smile!" - Yana Arabeika.
OCTOBER 2021
NOVEMBER - AGAIN
What we're going to do, when I get out of prison.
- Yana Arabeika. November 6th, 2021
- Yana Arabeika. November 6th, 2021
Thank you that you made it this far
and that you read the stories of our friends, who remain imprisoned. Brave people, who were deprived of their freedom, because they chose peace over violence - and justice over silence.
We are not powerless - you can help:
spread the word
Share the stories, print out Yana's Zine and gift it to your friends! Find everything you need in our library
support our project
So that we can make our bold dreams come true to promote and develop media for young people in Belarus!
and you can support our team with a donation: bc1q0v8my59xq9kmk3qs8l5n4cy2qdmxaqrzzr8xf6 (BTC)
Project TWELVE - made possible by:
Volunteers from Belarus, who have to remain anonymous for security reasons. In cooperation with:
Во-первых, проект лучше выглядит с компьютера или ноутбука
Во-вторых, будет здорово, если подпишетесь на нас в Telegram, а также на нашу рассылку. С нами интересно и клево!
Будет здорово, если подпишетесь на нас в Telegram, а также на нашу рассылку. С нами интересно и клево!
