Five Facts About Vitsebsk Joan of Arc

Why Svyatlana Botvich was the discovery of the March of Angry Belarusians in Vitebsk.

Svyatlana Botvich became the discovery of the Vitsebsk protest action, a true "star", absolutely unknown in the opposition sphere, to say nothing of ordinary Vitsebsk residents united with hard feelings.

Vitebsky Kuryer published five facts about the hero of the March of Angry Belarusians held on February 26, Vitsebsk.

1. Svyatlana is 38 years-old and could prove that she had nothing in common with Decree No. 3, she works as a cleaner in a nursery school, but:

"We will not pay tax on "parasitism"! We must not, because it's unfair. If no one pays, there will be no punishment!", Svyatlana Botwich said and people applauded her.

2. When she was 16 years-old she lost her parents and did her best to survive. She has husband and daughter. She learned about the protest on social networks:

"It's my first time on a protest action. I was not going to speak on public. But my emotions won out. I can't stand when people are abused and neglected. It goes from my heart. When I see that something is wrong, tachycardia starts! And words break loose."

3. She was born in Budilovo village, Beshenkavichy district. She used to work there, milked a cow, goats. The activist has lived in Vitsebsk since 2008.

"I can do everything including mowing, the way Lukashenka does!".

4. Svyatlana understands that she said many hard words about the current state of the country during the March of Angry Belarusians. But she says she has no regret - she said everything she wanted and now feels the relief.

5. Almost all journalists there wanted to interview this brave woman. Someone even called her "Vitsebsk Joan of Arc". And she turned her head when she heard it:

"People often call me like this. Because of my character. I will not be silent!"