“Last Friday I met with the families of political prisoners and those who have already served time in prison for political reasons. I did not come to this meeting as a politician, but first of all as the wife of Siarhei Tsikhanouski and mother of Karnei and Ahniya, who have not seen their father for more than two years. No one will give back this time with the children to Siarhei, nor to young fathers Ihar Losik and Eduard Palchys, nor to mothers of many children Olha Zolatar and Olha Yaliseeva – and thousands of other political prisoners.
I know how these thoughts can dampen the spirit. But inside me, anger prevails over this feeling. This anger and desire to return a normal life to myself and other Belarusians give me energy and strength not to stop, to help, explain, act.
The other day, Siarhei was put on a list with 870 other "terrorists", including musicians, journalists and lawyers who are known for creating, inspiring, defending peace and freedom. When I read this news, I remembered a mother with a little boy at last Friday's meeting. His father is a political prisoner and is probably also on the list of those 870 people. The boy said: "My dad is a hero". And no matter what anyone says, that's exactly what it is – these people are heroes to us. That is why we must remember and take care of them – after all, they are there for our freedom.
- Write letters to political prisoners. Open politzek.me and choose who you want to write to – someone you know or someone you don't. You can send a letter anonymously or from another country via vkletochku.org and letter.bel.
- Support the families of political prisoners through solidarity funds. Open "A Country to Live in" foundation website or personal fundraisings on the BYSOL Foundation website and choose the amount and program you are comfortable with.
- Help the loved ones of political prisoners with products. Open the website, channel or chatbot iNeedHelp_by and choose there the amount you are willing to buy groceries for the affected Belarusians.
- Become a volunteer if you have free time. The Office, "A Country to Live in" and many initiatives are in need of volunteers. Email @AskOffice_Bot if you are ready – and we will give you all the necessary contacts and instructions.
- Take care of those in need personally. If you have the opportunity to visit your neighbours, have a chat, or help someone's elderly parents around the house – do it. I know stories when Belarusians offer unknown relatives of political prisoners to play music with their children or mow the grass in their country houses. Every such action is worth its weight in gold.
Do not wait for a request or a command. Show your care whenever you can. Each of us would like to be cared for in the same way as well”.
