"I want to see my mother alive." Ex-political prisoners, deported from Belarus just six months before release, share their feelings
Mikalai and Ivan (names changed) were among 123 political prisoners who were released and taken out of Belarus on December 13. Both had just over six months left to serve in the colony. Now they are in Poland undergoing the legalization procedure, but they say it would have been easier for them to serve their term and stay with their families in Belarus. Most recorded their stories.
Bus that brought ex-political prisoners from Ukraine to Warsaw. Photo: Most
"Staff hinted, 'you'll be released soon'"
Mikalai had heard as early as summer that some "political" prisoners might be released soon. The information spread among both the inmates and the colony staff.
«Sometimes it seemed like a thaw had even begun in the colony: "yellow-ticket holders" were allowed to call home once a week, there was less pressure, and staff sometimes hinted that perhaps they would be released soon. But by the end of summer, these talks gradually faded away," Mikalai recalls.
He was detained last summer for comments on "extremist" resources. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to two years of imprisonment. Including the time spent in the pre-trial detention center, he had just over six months left to serve.
«In the morning [December 13], a guard woke me up. He told me to pack my things and follow him. I was led to a room where other "yellow-ticket holders" were already sitting. I immediately understood: we were going to be released.»
"It became clear they weren't taking us to be executed"
At the exit of the colony, everyone was handcuffed – that's when Mikalai realized that, most likely, the release would be accompanied by deportation.
Already on the bus, the political prisoners were forced to pull black hats over their eyes and forbidden to speak.
«For four hours we drove in silence and almost complete darkness. I didn't know who was next to me or where they were taking us. Closer to the border, we were handed over to the SBU. The Ukrainians removed our hats and said: "Don't be afraid, you are in a free country." It then became clear that they weren't taking us to be executed," Mikalai recalls.
When the hat was removed, he saw Maria Kalesnikava, Aliaksandr Fiaduta, and other political prisoners on the bus.
«We stopped and got off the bus, waiting for another bus with other released people to arrive... People hugged, they were happy... It was a great surprise for me to see Masha, Fiaduta... In normal life, I don't think that would have happened," Mikalai smiles.
In Ukraine, they were not allowed to send messages or leave the sanatorium
In Ukraine, the Belarusians were well received, says Mikalai. They were examined, given phones and humanitarian aid — essential items. And immediately warned: there is a war in the country, so they needed to be very careful.
«We were told that we couldn't send messages to relatives — only call, it was forbidden to photograph objects, to meet and communicate with strangers, or to leave the sanatorium. They explained that there could be provocations from Belarus or Russia, and it was better not to reveal our location.»
Three days later, Mikalai, along with other deportees, arrived in Poland and remained in that country. He sees his future vaguely.
«It's still unclear what to do. I plan to process documents, adapt, find housing, then work if possible. I cannot return to Belarus until my term ends (Mikalai was not given a release certificate; he doesn't know if he has been pardoned. — Note by Most). And then — we'll see how things go.»
"They didn't give us a choice"
Mikalai's family remained in Belarus: his wife, children, and elderly mother. He hasn't been able to speak with her yet: the woman lives in a village and uses a button phone without internet.
«I was her main helper. When I was imprisoned, it was like taking away the only person who could help her. All I want now is to see my mother alive.»
Mikalai admits: if he had a choice, he would have served the rest of his term and returned home to his family.
«But they didn't give us such a choice.»
They were not allowed to take photos of relatives or icons
Ivan found himself in the same situation. He had been imprisoned for over a year for comments on social networks. He had six months left until his release. The man was on the same bus as Mikalai.
«From prison to war, and from war to emigration,» says Ivan.
And although the Belarusian did not see actual combat, he heard drones flying and missiles exploding.
«Sometimes we had to go down to the bomb shelter when the siren sounded.»
Ivan arrived in Poland with a small bag — containing items he managed to bring from the colony. There weren't many: hygiene products, some clothing, and candies. They were not allowed to take photos of relatives or small icons.
In Belarus, the man lived in his village house — and intended to return there after his release.
«I spent my whole life building and arranging it for my family. And when I'll return there — it's unclear.»
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