“It’s for political prisoners? Take it for free!”

Even amid the economic crisis Belarusians are trying to help families of the political prisoners.

The wife of Zmitser Bandarenka, a coordinator of “European Belarus”, Volha Bandarenka, has told charter97.org about the solidarity which helps families of the activists arrested in December 19 case.

“For instance, Alla Sannikova asked to buy a hair trimmer and razor set to Andrei. We came to Kamarouski market. We started to choose one, and asked advice of a vendor. In such situations I always give it to the person straight. So I told that we need a hair trimmer for the presidential candidate, a political prisoner Andrei Sannikov. He is in prison, so we needed a device of good quality, for it not to break. Vendors perked up and said they voted for Sannikov, that they are following his case and cases of other political prisoners. They have been looking for a better hair trimmer, and they sold it at a greatly reduced price, (50 per cent),” Volha Bandarenka said.

The wife of the political prisoner recalls how she had to take a taxi not long ago. She started up a conversation with the driver. As a result, the driver refused to take money.

The same happens with wives of other political prisoners. For instance, Maryna Adamovich recently bought sportswear for imprisoned Mikalai Statkevich. While she was choosing it, someone phoned her. The vendor heard her conversation about her husband, understood who had been meant, and refused to take money. As a modest person, Maryna could not take the leisure suit for free. Finally, the salesperson agreed to take only 20 dollars from Statkevich’s wife.

“Everywhere I go – in shops, markets, I ‘m trying to tell about political prisoners. Everyone supports me, criticize authorities; everyone is concerned. It’s a kind of a public opinion survey.

A huge number of people from the past have appeared in my life again when Zmitser was arrested. My and his former colleagues, co-workers, childhood friends, classmates – everyone tires to help. Recently an old man found me though a newspaper. It turned out he know Zmitser back in the 1970-ies. He brought money for a parcel to prison to him… I know that the same things are happening with all families of political prisoners. The solidarity is great,” Volha Bandarenka said.