Fired for “lack of political reliability”

Alena Krusheuskaya, a secretary of Young Democrats, a youth wing of the United Civil Party, was dismissed from a US-registered international company for lack of political reliability.

The firm used a tactics of quick dismissal, ucpb.org writes. “Don't think it's a calm time. The authorities are getting ready for actions,” Alena Krusheuskaya says.

Alena said it happened all of a sudden. The department manager met her and invited for a talk. The manager talked about the exiled European Humanities University, where Alena had studied, her active presence on social networking websites and visiting conferences abroad. Finally, she said directly Alena was lack of “political reliability” and noted the firm did not need a pain in the neck. The manager offered Alena to quit the job by mutual agreement.

“It happened out of the blue. It was a kind of stupor. In apparently gentle words of the manager I heard a direct threat: if you don't quit, we'll find a reason to sack you and it will be mentioned in your employment history. I was clear that I cannot work here.

The last time when I was sacked was in 2006 due to rallies, but now... The firm I worked for, Issoft, is an international IT company founded in 2004 as a subsidiary of Coherent Solutions, Inc (www.issoft.by).

My workplace computer was already blocked. I did not have time to say good-bye to my astonished co-workers.

I was so perplexed that I signed all documents and did not ask for a compensation. Later, when I calmed down and came round, I realized they confused me on purpose, so that I wasn't able to consult a lawyer...

Upon reflection, I decided to publish this information. Firstly, I understood they will not allow me to work in Belarus. Who will employ me if I was fired even from an American company for political reasons?

Secondly, I'd like to ask: How does it happen that the EU impose sanctions on the Belarusian regime, but Belarusian divisions of American companies are on the bit of the KGB? In this case, where are Belarusian political activists supposed to work? In fact, these companies contribute to forcing all dissidents out of the country.

Thirdly, I want to share my experience to warn every activist, who has not lost his job yet. In no case I wish you this, but... It may happen quickly. If you think about possible variants beforehand, you will be more prepared and will be able to solve the situation.

Don't think it's a calm time! On the contrary, they authorities are getting ready for actions,” Alena Krusheuskaya says.