Belarusians In Białystok: Our Duty To Those Who Died Is To Continue The Fight For Freedom

13.11.2026, 16:09

A memorial event for Roman Bondarenko was held in Białystok.

On November 12, Belarusians and Poles held a solidarity rally in Białystok. People gathered on the anniversary of the murder of a 2020 protester Roman Bondarenko, to honor the memory of those who are no longer with us and to express support for those who are behind bars today.

“Roman went out into his courtyard because he cared,” one of the participants told the Telegram channel “Basta!”. “He sought to protect what unites people: shared space, symbols, and dignity. He had the right to return home alive and unharmed. He had the right to live.”

His death left a pain that has not subsided even six years later. It also left a question that has yet to be answered by a fair court: Who will be held accountable?

Impunity allows violence to continue. That is why we cannot allow silence or oblivion.

We remember Roman Bondarenko, Vitold Ashurka, Alesya Pushkina, and all those whose lives were taken by violence and repression. Behind every name is a person: with their own plans, love, family, and friends. A future they were robbed of.

Today, our thoughts are also with political prisoners and their families; with those who await the return of their loved ones, live from letter to letter, and fight for their health and freedom.” They must not be left alone with their suffering.

Remembrance demands action from us: help, solidarity, and a persistent search for the truth. Our duty to those who have perished is to continue fighting for a Belarus where human life is sacred and the law protects everyone.

Thank you to everyone who came today. Thank you to everyone who keeps their memory alive and supports others—here in Belarus and around the world.”