"We Called the Shelter Sanatorium 'Dobro'": Timur Ryzapur's Story

We continue to introduce you to the residents of our shelter. This time, Timur Ryzapur answered our questions.

In August 2020, Timur was returning home from work when he was shot with five rubber bullets. The man was arrested in September. He was accused of participating in mass riots and sentenced to 4.5 years in a maximum-security colony. In 2024, he was convicted again for "malicious disobedience to the colony administration."

Among those forcibly transferred to Lithuania on September 11, 2025, was Timur. His family — his wife and three children — went through all these trials with him.

What did you feel when you found yourself free?

Fear that it wasn't real, that it was a dream.

What brought you joy after your release?

Smiles 😁. Someone said: "You are free, you are in a free country."

How did you end up in the foundation's shelter? What does it mean to you?

There were so many people around — everyone was congratulating us, offering help. My head was spinning, I was like numb. For the first time in my life, I was glad that someone else was making decisions for me. That's how I ended up in the shelter. This place was called Sanatorium "Dobro" — and it's truly a very accurate name.

What things or support turned out to be most important in the first days?

On the first evening, we were seated at a large table, and several people were carefully offering dishes. In such a warm atmosphere, I don't even remember what exactly I ate, but it was incredibly delicious. There were many smiles, many joyful people — the feeling as if it was New Year or your birthday, and everyone was congratulating you specifically.

What helps most with recovery?

My life seemed to have stopped back in distant 2020. And during this time, everything has changed very much. The people who supported us are very actively helping us enter a new reality.

What would you like to say to the people who help and support you?

Undoubtedly, these are words of gratitude! The guys and girls who support us… I know some of them personally, even my loved ones also participate in this. These are wonderful people, you can and should be proud of them. I'm very glad that there are so many of them in my circle. Perhaps it's true that the events of 2020 united many of us and made us look anew at ourselves, at those who are nearby, at those who got into trouble.

What do you dream about today?

To see and hug my family.

If Timur's story resonates with you and you want to help those who are just beginning their free path after prison, support our shelter.

Even a small contribution becomes an important part of Sanatorium "Dobro" that we are creating together.

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