The ex-political prisoner told on his Facebook about a polite offer in Hrodna prison and how it all ended. "Well, at least write a poem," the warden quoted as his last argument.
“In June 2024, in Hrodna prison, I was politely offered to cooperate with the administration. The offer was made at a 'commission' – this is when the prison authorities gather in a special office, and prisoners are brought into that office one by one, their papers for some violation are reviewed – and punishment is assigned.
Naturally, prisoners pay close attention to the offers made in this office under a switched-on camera – because immediately after your answer, the warden's verdict follows.
— Sevyarynets, here you have a report for violating the dress code. You are violating it. Bad… You don't want to correct yourself. What should we do with you?…
The warden surveys his team questioningly. As if to say, a hopeless case. Officers disdainfully twist their lips, like, only the grave will fix this recidivist.
— Listen, you used to work as a journalist. Write us something for "Trudovoi Put" (Labor Path).
Stop. We've arrived.
— Citizen Warden, I'm an extremist. How can I write anything, especially for a newspaper of the Department of Penal Enforcement!
— You try, — the warden continues mildly. — We will edit it, if necessary.
— My books have been recognized as extremist, — I say. — And imagine what will happen if at least one publication in "Trudovoi Put" is recognized as such!
— Just write poems, — the warden begins to lose patience. — We know you can.
— Citizen Warden…
— Yes, or no?
— No.
- Ten days in SHIZO (punishment cell). Go, think about it.
I thought, in short, until the end of August. Commission after commission. Days after days. The duty officer, during rounds of the SHIZO cells, friendly inquired if the walls were pressing on me. The warden watched with a keen eye. All conditions were created to properly consider the offer. As a result, "Trudovoi Put" remained without a correspondent,” Pavel Sevyarynets wrote.
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