The rigged presidential elections on 9 August 2020 triggered an unprecedented wave of protests in Belarus. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across the country for their rights. The power apparatus reacted with brutal violence from the start. Peaceful demonstrators were beaten up by security forces in the streets. Over 30,000 people were imprisoned. Systematic violence continued in the prisons. Human rights organisations documented more than 1,000 cases of torture. Many suffer from the consequences of the abuse to this day.

Medical care for victims of violence is completely inadequate. Prisoners in need of treatment are denied professional medical help. Doctors are put under pressure by the regime. After acute treatment, follow-up care is often lacking, as special therapy and rehabilitation measures are not available in Belarus. And finally, for many people it is too much of a risk to be treated in a state hospital after being subjected to state violence.

The Emergency Fund Belarus supports victims of state violence

To help these people, we have set up the Emergency Fund Belarus. The fund supports victims of state violence who need special help on their road to recovery. If necessary, their treatment takes place in Germany. This is the case of Grigory, who was seriously injured in the head by a stun grenade at a demonstration the day after the elections and has been undergoing neurological rehabilitation in Germany for several weeks. Grigory hopes that this will enable him to recover enough to be able to return to his job. “Deutsche Welle” has covered his case.

Thanks to your donation, people who have paid for their commitment to freedom, democracy and human rights with their health, will regain their ability to move and act. Please donate for the Emergency Fund Belarus! Every contribution will be used for the care of victims of state violence.

Your contribution helps to make human rights violations public and to provide humanitarian aid. Thank you very much for your support.