On November 12, a commemoration event for Raman Bandarenka, who was killed by the regime five years ago, was held near the Embassy of Belarus in Vilnius. The event was organized by the Dapamoga NGO.
Representing the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the event was attended by Advisor on Education and Science Pavel Tereshkovich, Advisor on Youth Policy and Students Marharyta Vorykhava, and Press Secretary Hanna Krasulina.
Pavel Tereshkovich: “It seems everything has already been said about this tragic event. But we need to remember what we failed to do to prevent it and think about what must be done to ensure it never happens again”.
Hanna Krasulina: “On that day, Raman Bandarenka went out to defend his courtyard and his flag – and became a hero. Heroes do not die. ‘I’m going out!’ – his words became a flag for Belarusians. I go to rallies because we remember our heroes and because the killers must be held accountable for their crimes. And they will be. ‘I’m going out!’ – in these words lies the light that drives away the darkness and gives hope”.
Marharyta Vorykhava: “Taking part in today’s gathering means standing where Raman once stood – against indifference and injustice. His last words, ‘I’m going out’, were an act of ordinary courage. He simply refused to stay silent as symbols of hope were being erased from his community. Being here today means honoring that same principle – the belief that showing up, speaking out, and standing together matters, even when it costs everything. For Belarusians, Raman’s death is both our deepest pain and our greatest resolve. We will not forget him, we will not abandon the cause he died for, and we will continue his path toward a free and just Belarus”.
