Andrew Voynich: I Want To Hug Everyone Who Remembered Us

The release of political prisoners came as a complete surprise.

The coordinator of the civil campaign "European Belarus" Andrei Voynich, released by the authorities on September 11, shared with the site Charter97.org his first impressions after release. Now the ex-political prisoner is in Lithuania, where he was forcibly deported together with other former prisoners of conscience:

- I was very much looking forward to our release. There was constant psychological pressure, some kind of bullying, bullying all the time. It was hard enough, and of course we were waiting for this release. Despite the fact that we were waiting for this release, it came as a surprise.

The realization that we were about to be released came at the very last moment, when we had already crossed the border and saw people meeting us. The first impressions are still gratitude. Gratitude to the people who were worried about us, who helped us, who did everything to ensure that we would be free. These are ordinary people, friends, acquaintances, relatives, diplomats and human rights activists, journalists and many others. I just wanted to hug these people and express my gratitude.

- Why were you released, do you think?

- I think we were released out of fear, I have this feeling for some reason. The authorities were afraid that the already stalemate situation would worsen. The regime was afraid of people and public opinion.

- What are your plans for the future?

- For the time being, to take a break from all this marasmus we have experienced. Then - to engage in a normal human free life.

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