Legalize Belarus talked to the wife of the convict, Karina (name changed), who told about the difficult conditions of his imprisonment and personal experiences.
«It was an ordinary day, I went out on the street and went about my business, but my plans changed abruptly when the officers of the State Drug Control Committee stopped me on the pretext of clarifying some information. I got into their car, and they showed me a search warrant for the apartment where I lived,» says Ilya (name changed), Legalize Belarus.
When Victoria (name changed) was arrested, she was only 17 years old. She has already spent two years in prison and will not be released for long time.
Konstantin (name changed) told Legalize Belarus that he was 18 when he was arrested. «At that time, I used psychoactive substances, often smoked spice (a smoking blend containing synthetic substances). I constantly lacked money to buy it. Sometimes I had to pawn things,» the man says.
Andrey (name changed) lived in a small town in Belarus but commuted to work in Europe. He occasionally used drugs. When he returned home once, law enforcement officers started monitoring him. Andrey doesn't know why he attracted attention, stating, «Maybe someone reported me,» the man says.
Belarusian organisations Legalize Belarus and Youth Bloc, which advocate for humane drug policy and respect for human rights, published a study analysing their country’s drug policy, outlining recommendations for the Government to create alternatives to incarceration and improve conditions for people using drugs.
June 26 is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which was established in 1987 by the United Nations General Assembly.
As the number of refugees in Lithuania continues to grow, it is crucial to address the mental health needs of these individuals. Many refugees have experienced trauma, displacement, and loss, which can have a profound impact on their psychological well-being. Unfortunately, mental health services can be limited for refugees, leaving many struggling to manage their symptoms and find a path towards healing.
Legalize Belarus with Young Wave and UPRA invites everyone to this event on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Lithuania, Vilnius, Vilniaus g. 22.
Generation 328 is a story of mothers who are living everyday life with a single hope: to bring home their unfairly convicted sons. How far will the mothers go to find justice for their children?