Dear Belarusians!
It is no secret that 2020 was a challenging year. Challenging and worrisome for the entire world, and particularly for Belarus. While this is all true, this year also gave us much hope and inspiration. A lot has changed this year, but the main change lies within ourselves.
2020 was a year when we, Belarusians, united.
We united in March and April to help the medics who were fighting for our lives.
We united in May and June to put down our signatures for presidential candidates whom we trusted, and we were surprised to see each other in endless queues.
We united in July to defend our rights. Our candidates were imprisoned, but we joined protests all over the country. It was breath-taking to see how many of us were at the rallies!
We united in August to vote for change. We cried of despair when we found out about the atrocities of the Akrestsina prison, and we cried with tears of joy when we saw hundreds of thousands join the March for Freedom.
We united in September feeling that “none can conquer us, stay us or halt”. We took to the streets not for ourselves, but for all. We proved that a passport ripped to pieces in defiance is stronger than the entire repressive machine.
We united in October in the streets and avenues, in the yards of our homes, in our factories and universities fighting for “a country for life”. We felt support from all over the world – coming from Belarusians and our friends.
We united in November to honor our new hero. We wrote on the walls “I'm going out” – as we will never forget Raman Bandarenka, nor will we forget Nikita Kryutsou, Kanstantsin Shyshmakou, Genadz Shutau, Aliaksandr Vikhor and Aliaksandr Taraikouski.
We united in December to declare that we are ready for a new chapter in our history where we will live under the rule of law that will apply to all. We know that we no longer need to prove anything to anyone – we have already proved everything we wanted.
2020 became a year when we broke the silence and took to the streets. And we will go further.
“And, say, who goes there?”
A doctor who, after a full working day in a crowded hospital, rescues the lives of the wounded protesters.
A journalist who works days and nights for the world to see what is happening in the Belarusian streets and to learn about the heroes of the protests.
A car mechanic who repairs cars for free after they were struck with batons and damaged by explosions.
A volunteer who devoted months of his life to others.
A former policeman who refused to obey an unlawful order.
An Orthodox believer who prayed for the Catholic archbishop to return home.
A lawyer who defends a political prisoner risking losing her licence.
An athlete who has given up her awards that no longer honour her.
A programmer who donates for the victims.
A pensioner who does not want her grandson to leave the country.
A miner who has joined the strike, as it is his legitimate way to demand new fair elections.
A businessman who opened the doors of his cafe to protesters, and now worries about those he employed.
A teacher who still carries a white ribbon in her bag.
An artist who dreams that one day all paddy wagons will be written off and become art objects.
A student who stood up for his classmate, for love during the revolution is love for life.
A resident of a neighbourhood, who, despite the fear, decorates his yard with flags, although it is a “troublesome business”.
A neighbour who only yesterday was removing leaflets from the entrance hall, and today he is distributing them himself.
Belarusians who want “to be called human”.
Political prisoners and those detained for standing up for their dignity who are always with us in our hearts and on our minds.
And you –watching this video right now.
And most importantly – we are united. Our path is eternal: we took to the streets to return home. Each of us took to the streets to bring us all back to our common home.
Because home is a place where we have the say. Home is a place where people live and are worth to be called a nation. A place where we and our loved ones are safe. A place we don't want to leave and where we want to return. Home is a place where everyone is valued and loved: both those who want change and those who are still in doubt. It is a place for coming together and understanding. Home is a place we deserve.
And the new year will bring us back home – to a free Belarus.
I congratulate us on this, my dear Belarusians. I wish us to remain sincere, open-minded and daring. I wish us even more strength, for our relatives – health, for our hearts – peace and faith. I wish that, in the new year, everyone we miss so much will be back home.
Happy New Year 2021!
Long Live Belarus!
