How do former political prisoners rebuild their lives after release and forced exile? A new country, a new profession, healing, rebuilding relationships, and learning to trust the world again. These are the stories of people who have endured imprisonment, persecution, and loss. They are starting their lives over. Here and now. And they need our support.
«Don’t Ask What It’s Like for a Mother in Exile Without Her Children»: The Story of Anna Papaj
We are launching a series of interviews with former political prisoners. How do they readapt to normal life after imprisonment, and what do they dream about? Our first story is about Anna Papaj. Today, she lives in Poland, longs for the day she will be reunited with her children, and dreams of opening her own café in Minsk.
«An Entire Life in a Single Box.» The Story of Tatyana Kurilina
Instead of an inner child, there is an inner exhausted woman who is used to the word «must». What is it like to start from scratch after prison, having lost your home and profession, only to have gained new chronic illnesses? We sat down with former political prisoner Tatyana Kurilina
Why It Matters
Freedom does not begin the day someone is released from prison. Former political prisoners face new realities while living with the consequences of violence, the loss of their home, and separation from their loved ones. This project is a space for their memories and their voices. It is important that they are heard, seen, and remembered. That is why we are collecting a mosaic of life stories from ordinary people who simply remained true to themselves during a difficult period in history.
Не нужно ставить себя в позу жертвы. Я не призываю полюбить охранника, который вас избивал. Но начните хотя бы с того, что не желайте зла тем, кто, по вашему мнению, поступил с вами несправедливо
