We continue to introduce you to the residents of the shelter run by the Charitable foundation "A Country to Live in." This time, his story was shared by Alexander (name changed for security reasons) — a Belarusian who was sentenced to 4 years in a penal colony for comments he posted online, then "pardoned" and forcibly taken from Belarus to Lithuania on March 19, 2026.
— I had been living and working in Russia since 2019. In 2020, when borders closed due to COVID, I stayed there. I spent August 2020 watching videos and reading the news — tears in my eyes, fists clenched in rage. I wrote comments. I spoke out.
When I returned to Belarus, it felt like the protest had already been crushed. Hundreds of thousands had taken to the streets, but even more stayed home, thinking: "What can I do alone?" And everyone thought they were alone.
I kept writing — everywhere I could. Especially when I saw lies.
— In 2023, the security forces began taking an interest in me. In September I was detained and given suttki — a short-term administrative arrest — for following certain social media channels. Then in October came the criminal case and pre-trial detention. I spent almost a year there. The verdict: 4 years in a penal colony and a fine. Then transfer to Navapolatsk — another year and a half.
On March 18, 2026, I was unexpectedly taken off work duty, handed my belongings, and driven to Kalyadzičy — a transit point used for deportations. On March 19, I was taken to Lithuania. No documents. No warning.
— From the border, we were brought to the shelter. They offered us an apartment, but I refused. It's quiet here, calm — there are people around. After the penal colony, being alone is dangerous.
— The help here covers everything. We were given clothes, vitamins, and on the very first evening — hot borscht. We were given phones, and I was able to reach my family.
They help with documents, with finances. We have our own "daily life coordinators" — people you can always turn to. What matters is that they give you time: if you're not ready to live independently, you can stay longer.
— We're getting used to a free life. Studying, preparing for work, learning languages. Getting to know Vilnius — for me, this is my first time in Europe. That's how things turned out. We're responsible for ourselves here: we keep order, we're learning to live in a civilized society.
— The shelter is truly necessary. After the penal colony, life here is a chance to breathe and feel human again. As the Belarusian poet Yanka Kupala once wrote: "ludźmi zvacca" — to be called human beings.
— I dream of my wife joining me. Of both of us finding work. Living normally, even if not in our homeland. And, if there's an opportunity — helping others.
💛 If Alexander's story speaks to you and you want to support those who are just beginning their free life after prison — please support our shelter via the link.
Every donation helps support political prisoners and their families, giving them hope and the means to overcome challenges.
