From Belarusian Prison to Polish Shelter: A Survivor's Quiet Rebellion
Galina Derbysh, a former political prisoner from Belarus, has rebuilt her life in Białystok after years of hardship. Released from a penal colony following negotiations between Minsk and Washington, she arrived with little more than a suitcase. Her journey from imprisonment to activism reflects both personal resilience and the ongoing repression in her home country.
Derbysh's ordeal began at 22 when a near-fatal motorcycle accident left her with a first-degree disability. Later, she was sentenced to 20 years in the politically charged Autukhovich case. Prison conditions worsened her health: poor dental care led to sinusitis and an abscess, while her distrust of people deepened. After her release, she struggled with fear and isolation, finding comfort only in the company of cats and dogs.
Her recovery took another turn when she was diagnosed with sarcoma. Medical treatment helped her overcome the illness, but the emotional scars remained. Now retired, she volunteers with the Dialogue Foundation, a Polish NGO, where she cooks meals for the homeless and sews pet beds. Her work offers a quiet contrast to the harsh years behind bars.
Meanwhile, Belarus's political climate stays oppressive under Lukashenko. Activists like Nasta Loika, sentenced to seven years in 2023 for human rights work, remain imprisoned. EU sanctions, in place since 2022, target finances, travel, and trade, while the country strengthens military ties with Russia. Opposition groups, including exiled leader Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya, now focus on dialogue and engagement with Ukraine.
Derbysh's story highlights the lasting impact of political persecution. While she rebuilds her life through volunteer work, Belarus's crackdown on dissent continues. Calls for the release of imprisoned activists persist, but the regime shows no signs of easing its grip.
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