Timaphej Dranchuk is my first prisoned friend
My friend Timaphej Dranchuk was sentenced to imprisonment for one year tomorrow. Last year he organized independent supervision of Belarusian presidential elections but suddenly was arrested before the event. He was accused of terrorism and violations of civil rights. I know Timaphej for a long time and accusation seem stupid for me. No doubt this process was politically motivated.
Timaphej's son was born when he was arrested already and they will make the acquaintance only next year.
posted by Yahor at 11:16 AM
6 Comments:
privyet iz irlandii!! vash blog ochen' interesno i nam dat' drugaya tochka zrenia situatsii v Belarus'.I am an Irish student of international politics. I am glad to see that there is some opposition in the form of student movements and "flash mobs"...
Personally, I believe that Lukashenka rules in a dictatorial fashion; his strangle-hold on the media and ability to generate fear amongst the opposition is nowhere close to democratic...however...I do have one question for you - exactly how UNpopular do you really believe Luka is?
Perhaps you think I am pessimistic, or worse, suspect me of secretly being a supporter of this balilaika-playing dictator; I can only ask you to believe that I am not and to attempt to answer my question.
Are the people of Belarus (or at least a majority of your 10 million) ready for 'transition'? Are they willing to see their pension-perks be cut as in nearby Russia? Are they willing to take the jolt of economic reform (lets imagine Luka, or a new leader decide to take an 'honest' look at the unemployment figures and economic debts - this would have serious knock on effects and its possible that a severe depression could follow)?....I do understand that it would be our duty as 'the West' to help Belarus through such a difficult time of transformation...but again, my friend, I fear that neither Europe nor USA can be trusted to put money where it should be put when there is no personal and imminent threat to their own well-being. This would probably leave the path open to Putin...and, well, the average Belarusian would be worse off than they are at the moment - without a reliable social system, without a job...but with Putin's version of 'democracy'.
so, you see, in some ways I can understand why many people are not ready for a 'revolution' or a 'resistance' - not simply because of fear of being arrested, but because of fear of being poorer. What do you think about this possibility? I look forward to reading your response,
thank you for your time!
Siobhain
(studentka iz dublina, irlandi)
privyet iz irlandii!! vash blog ochen' interesno i nam dat' drugaya tochka zrenia situatsii v Belarus'.I am an Irish student of international politics. I am glad to see that there is some opposition in the form of student movements and "flash mobs"...
Personally, I believe that Lukashenka rules in a dictatorial fashion; his strangle-hold on the media and ability to generate fear amongst the opposition is nowhere close to democratic...however...I do have one question for you - exactly how UNpopular do you really believe Luka is?
Perhaps you think I am pessimistic, or worse, suspect me of secretly being a supporter of this balilaika-playing dictator; I can only ask you to believe that I am not and to attempt to answer my question.
Are the people of Belarus (or at least a majority of your 10 million) ready for 'transition'? Are they willing to see their pension-perks be cut as in nearby Russia? Are they willing to take the jolt of economic reform (lets imagine Luka, or a new leader decide to take an 'honest' look at the unemployment figures and economic debts - this would have serious knock on effects and its possible that a severe depression could follow)?....I do understand that it would be our duty as 'the West' to help Belarus through such a difficult time of transformation...but again, my friend, I fear that neither Europe nor USA can be trusted to put money where it should be put when there is no personal and imminent threat to their own well-being. This would probably leave the path open to Putin...and, well, the average Belarusian would be worse off than they are at the moment - without a reliable social system, without a job...but with Putin's version of 'democracy'.
so, you see, in some ways I can understand why many people are not ready for a 'revolution' or a 'resistance' - not simply because of fear of being arrested, but because of fear of being poorer. What do you think about this possibility? I look forward to reading your response,
thank you for your time!
Siobhain
(studentka iz dublina, irlandi)
ps: I am really sorry to hear about Timaphej's imprisonment, I hope it doesnt dishearten the youth movements. Udacha vam, Siobhain
Hello,
Your site is really interesting. I invite you to visit my blog, I hope that you like it.
http://oceanodeluz.blogspot.com/
Greetings,
Hugo.
Privet opyat iz Izrailya,
Thanks for keeping me updated concerning the situation in Belarussia. We Yids--or at least most of us--are very anti-Communist since we have suffered so much under the Communist regimes.
Anyhow, I'm terribly sorry about your friend's imprisonement. If it means anything let him know the son of a former Soviet dissident said "keep up the fight and you'll prevail!!!"
Kudos on your blog and your constant watch of your tyrant,
Grisha.
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