Alyaksandr Atroshchankau: “I ask you to be strong and courageous”

Alyaksandr Atroshchankau, a journalist and Andrei Sannikov’s spokesman, sent a letter ahead of trial over him.

Alyaksandr Atroshchankau was arrested in early hours of December 20, together with hundreds of other Belarusians, and thrown in the KGB jail. Like presidential candidates, their team members, and other journalists, he was bought charges under article 293 of the Criminal Code (organizing and taking part in mass riot) for attending the protest demonstration against rigging the presidential election results. The journalist was performing his professional duties on the square, but he is accused of taking part in the so called riot.

Daria Korsak, the political prisoner’s wife, received a letter from her husband. Daria offered charter97.org some extracts from the letter.

“Hi, my darling Dasha,

I am happy to receive a letter from my parents and of court your one. In general, the situation with correspondence has significantly improved. I don’t know how often do you receive my letters, but I get letters from you more often now. Well, I cannot say I write many letters. To be more precise, I write few letters. You know who lives longer and who has grounds to do so [Atroshchankau means the phrase “paranoid people live longer” – notice by charter97.org]. I’ve had many events today in my life of a ‘pensioner’: I’ve receive a parcel, pills you sent me earlier, letters from you and my parents, and also learned about the date of the trial. […]

Dasha, it’s very important. All of you are great, especially you. I imagine how hard it was for you. You need to understand that we won’t be glad with the trial outcome. In other words, be ready for the worst. Anyway, the situation will become clearer.

In this regards, I’d like ask everyone to be strong and courageous. No tears and faints, no measures and, of course, no remarks. By this I end the practical part of my letter.

On the whole, I am fine. Healthy and eat well. […] Send my best regards to everyone. I mean all my friends, you know whom I appreciate most. […]

Well, it’s time to end the letter. See you on March 1…

Your husband”

The journalist also writes he is prepared for the worst and gives advice to his brothers.