1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.BZ 2 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.BZ 3 00:01:40,560 --> 00:01:42,760 Hello, Mum. Hi. 4 00:01:43,280 --> 00:01:46,320 -Hi, sweetie. -Can you talk? 5 00:01:46,880 --> 00:01:48,600 Yes, I can. 6 00:01:48,680 --> 00:01:50,160 How are you? 7 00:01:50,880 --> 00:01:56,280 Not too bad. Same as usual. Nothing special. 8 00:01:56,360 --> 00:02:02,720 -How are things with you? -How are you? How's the little one? 9 00:02:02,800 --> 00:02:05,200 We are good. 10 00:02:05,280 --> 00:02:09,680 We had an ultrasound last week. Another one. 11 00:02:10,520 --> 00:02:11,680 Yes. 12 00:02:11,760 --> 00:02:16,440 He is going to be a big boy. He is already 1.9 kg. 13 00:02:16,520 --> 00:02:18,920 But of course, I don't know... 14 00:02:19,000 --> 00:02:20,880 It's a difficult situation, 15 00:02:20,960 --> 00:02:26,840 not being able to see each other, so many obstacles for that. 16 00:02:26,920 --> 00:02:28,040 I don't know. 17 00:02:28,120 --> 00:02:34,320 Of course I want to see you... And everything else... But what can we do? 18 00:02:34,400 --> 00:02:36,280 I have accepted it, so to say. 19 00:02:37,480 --> 00:02:39,480 -Yeah. -What can we do? 20 00:02:39,560 --> 00:02:43,960 At least we can talk on the phone and video chat. 21 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:48,880 Yes. 22 00:02:48,960 --> 00:02:53,240 But you do understand, if anything happens, I won't be able to come. 23 00:02:53,320 --> 00:02:55,960 Olya, don't even... 24 00:02:56,040 --> 00:02:59,200 Your job is to make sure everything is okay with the baby. 25 00:02:59,280 --> 00:03:00,760 And with you. 26 00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:05,520 Olechka, please don't cry. 27 00:03:05,600 --> 00:03:11,000 I so much want to see you both. I want to see the little one. So much. 28 00:03:14,360 --> 00:03:18,760 Mum, do you think anything is likely to change any time soon? 29 00:03:18,840 --> 00:03:23,560 I don't know, sweetie. Don't say anything, don't ask anything. 30 00:03:24,600 --> 00:03:26,200 Just don't. 31 00:03:26,280 --> 00:03:29,920 I always think about you and wish you only the best. 32 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:31,520 I pray for you. 33 00:03:33,320 --> 00:03:35,120 Don't worry. 34 00:03:35,200 --> 00:03:38,040 Thank you, Mum. 35 00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:41,400 -That's it. Good luck now. -Big hug. I love you. 36 00:03:41,480 --> 00:03:44,000 -Bye. I love you too. -Okay, bye. 37 00:03:58,160 --> 00:04:02,240 When I was a child, my mother taught me not to say too much, 38 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:05,160 to be obedient and not to stand out. 39 00:04:06,920 --> 00:04:10,920 She taught me how to survive in a way that was well known to her: 40 00:04:12,040 --> 00:04:13,400 to be afraid. 41 00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:22,640 But inside me there was a growing desire to be different. 42 00:04:25,120 --> 00:04:27,240 My mum was worried about me. 43 00:04:27,320 --> 00:04:32,360 She often said that no one would marry me with my character. 44 00:04:33,120 --> 00:04:38,160 She was telling me to be more feminine, more obedient. 45 00:04:39,920 --> 00:04:43,440 And that politics is not for girls. 46 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:26,480 The struggle of Lukashenko's opponents during 2020 pre-election period 47 00:05:26,560 --> 00:05:29,680 was filled with ups and downs. 48 00:05:30,360 --> 00:05:35,880 Even watching everything from a distance, I felt a strong sense of hope for change. 49 00:05:38,800 --> 00:05:40,280 Guys, hello. 50 00:05:40,360 --> 00:05:44,280 I'm at the university. I have just finished... 51 00:05:44,360 --> 00:05:47,720 No, still working on the sound for my graduation film 52 00:05:47,800 --> 00:05:49,880 with my sound designer. 53 00:05:49,960 --> 00:05:53,240 But I'm watching what is happening in Minsk. 54 00:05:53,320 --> 00:05:56,160 I love you! I'm with you! 55 00:05:56,240 --> 00:05:58,240 I'm with you! 56 00:05:58,320 --> 00:05:59,840 And we're going to win. 57 00:06:03,760 --> 00:06:06,080 At the very beginning of the election race 58 00:06:06,160 --> 00:06:10,120 Lukashenko imprisoned his main male opponents. 59 00:06:10,200 --> 00:06:12,440 Just like he did in the past. 60 00:06:13,320 --> 00:06:16,480 But in response, something incredible happened. 61 00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:19,640 This pushed the women to unite. 62 00:06:46,080 --> 00:06:50,040 I'm Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya, and it so happened that I am... 63 00:06:51,480 --> 00:06:54,160 a candidate for President of the Republic of Belarus. 64 00:07:00,520 --> 00:07:05,760 Since in our family it has always been one for all and all for one, 65 00:07:05,840 --> 00:07:08,560 I decided to step into my husband's place and... 66 00:07:08,640 --> 00:07:13,560 continue the work which was so important to him. 67 00:07:17,320 --> 00:07:20,280 The authorities got rid of strong competitors. 68 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:22,920 But they forgot one thing. 69 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:30,000 Behind every strong man stands a strong woman. 70 00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:36,760 Sveta! 71 00:07:38,800 --> 00:07:40,800 Well done! 72 00:07:52,720 --> 00:07:55,200 No one will vote for a wife in Belarus. 73 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:58,240 Our Constitution is not made for women. 74 00:07:58,800 --> 00:08:03,680 Our society is not ready yet to vote for a woman. 75 00:08:03,760 --> 00:08:09,000 Because according to our constitution, the president has strong power. 76 00:08:11,160 --> 00:08:14,240 I feel angry listening to this even today. 77 00:08:15,120 --> 00:08:19,280 His arrogance and confidence have only increased over time. 78 00:08:20,520 --> 00:08:23,920 This is how dictatorship goes hand in hand with patriarchy. 79 00:08:28,800 --> 00:08:32,520 In Tallinn I joined the activities of the Belarusian diaspora. 80 00:08:32,600 --> 00:08:36,520 The excitement of fighting together for freedom from dictatorship 81 00:08:36,600 --> 00:08:40,600 helped us overcome the fear of being under constant surveillance. 82 00:08:40,680 --> 00:08:43,440 Release them! 83 00:08:43,520 --> 00:08:45,120 Release them! 84 00:08:53,320 --> 00:08:57,080 I still continue to believe in the best. 85 00:08:57,160 --> 00:08:59,360 And, of course, on August 9... 86 00:09:01,520 --> 00:09:05,400 I urge everyone to go to the polls and vote. 87 00:09:05,480 --> 00:09:08,640 I actually feel an awesome thrill from the fact that... 88 00:09:09,400 --> 00:09:12,240 I am going to vote for the one... 89 00:09:12,320 --> 00:09:14,280 that I actually choose. 90 00:09:14,360 --> 00:09:18,800 And this is an awesome feeling of your own independence, 91 00:09:18,880 --> 00:09:21,040 that you make your own decisions. 92 00:09:22,240 --> 00:09:27,400 And I want the state to accept these decisions too. 93 00:09:28,080 --> 00:09:29,080 There you are. 94 00:09:32,040 --> 00:09:33,640 Tallinn! 95 00:09:35,720 --> 00:09:38,520 In order to prevent voter fraud 96 00:09:38,600 --> 00:09:41,480 we organized a group of independent observers 97 00:09:41,560 --> 00:09:43,880 and Exit Poll at the Belarusian Embassy. 98 00:09:43,960 --> 00:09:45,800 Long live! 99 00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:54,160 On the evening of August 9, 2020 100 00:09:54,240 --> 00:09:58,480 the democratic forces announced that according to all independent counts 101 00:09:58,560 --> 00:10:02,720 Svetlana won with an overwhelming number of votes. 102 00:10:04,040 --> 00:10:09,360 The Central Election Committee announced their own official results, 103 00:10:09,440 --> 00:10:13,480 in which Lukashenko had won with more than 80%. 104 00:10:36,400 --> 00:10:38,400 Get out of here! 105 00:10:40,480 --> 00:10:43,480 Help me! 106 00:10:48,320 --> 00:10:52,680 He says we voted 80%, and he's fucking beating us up. 107 00:10:52,760 --> 00:10:54,240 How is this possible? 108 00:10:54,320 --> 00:10:55,880 How long can we tolerate this? 109 00:10:55,960 --> 00:11:00,080 He says 80% of us voted for him, and he is killing us. 110 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:03,640 How can we put up with this? Look what they are doing. 111 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:07,200 They are shooting and throwing grenades at us. 112 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:13,960 I swear to you, there was no fraud in this election. 113 00:11:14,800 --> 00:11:19,120 You can't rig election results with 80% of the vote. 114 00:11:19,200 --> 00:11:23,720 We held elections according to the Constitution and the laws of our country. 115 00:11:23,800 --> 00:11:27,080 We don't need any additional acceptance. 116 00:11:27,160 --> 00:11:30,920 We've had the elections, and they are legal. 117 00:11:34,760 --> 00:11:38,080 The violence I saw happening made me choke with fear. 118 00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:43,040 It crushes the strongest... as happened with Svetlana, 119 00:11:43,120 --> 00:11:47,320 when she was kidnapped and forced to record a penitential video. 120 00:11:48,560 --> 00:11:51,120 Belarusians, I urge you 121 00:11:51,200 --> 00:11:53,840 to be prudent and respect the law. 122 00:11:53,920 --> 00:11:56,360 I don't want blood and violence. 123 00:11:56,440 --> 00:11:59,520 I ask you not to confront the police, 124 00:11:59,600 --> 00:12:03,800 not to go out into the squares in order not to put your lives in danger. 125 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:06,920 Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. 126 00:12:12,920 --> 00:12:15,720 A part of me still feels guilty. 127 00:12:15,800 --> 00:12:18,880 I wish I could have been on those streets, 128 00:12:18,960 --> 00:12:21,840 alongside my fellow Belarusian women. 129 00:12:23,600 --> 00:12:27,560 Even though I know today how the protests ended. 130 00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:35,400 Lukashenko into a prison van! 131 00:12:40,440 --> 00:12:42,800 In three decades of Lukashenko's oppression 132 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:45,800 I have never seen such massive protests, 133 00:12:45,880 --> 00:12:47,040 such unity. 134 00:12:48,720 --> 00:12:51,520 It was truly the birth of a nation. 135 00:12:54,640 --> 00:12:59,320 It felt as if the fear had been conquered and there was hope for change. 136 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:23,760 Svetlana found refuge in Lithuania, 137 00:13:25,200 --> 00:13:28,240 and when she announced her first press conference, 138 00:13:28,320 --> 00:13:30,440 I grabbed my camera and went there. 139 00:13:31,320 --> 00:13:35,160 Finally I was able to join the fight in real life. 140 00:13:35,920 --> 00:13:37,440 Good afternoon. 141 00:13:39,320 --> 00:13:41,000 Thank you all 142 00:13:42,680 --> 00:13:44,120 for being here today. 143 00:13:44,200 --> 00:13:48,600 This means you are interested in the situation in Belarus. 144 00:13:50,560 --> 00:13:54,240 In Belarus today people are thrown behind bars 145 00:13:54,320 --> 00:13:58,960 just because they participate in peaceful protests. 146 00:13:59,600 --> 00:14:04,280 In Belarus today my husband is in prison 147 00:14:04,360 --> 00:14:08,560 just because he dared to dream of a country to live in. 148 00:14:09,280 --> 00:14:13,200 Being an opposition leader in Belarus in large parts of this region 149 00:14:13,280 --> 00:14:15,920 is a very dangerous occupation. 150 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:18,320 Are you afraid, though, for your wellbeing? 151 00:14:20,120 --> 00:14:23,360 I think that every person in our country 152 00:14:24,440 --> 00:14:27,560 feels fear and is scared right now, 153 00:14:27,640 --> 00:14:33,520 but it's our mission to step over all our fears and move further. 154 00:14:35,960 --> 00:14:38,880 These words instantly resonated with me. 155 00:14:39,480 --> 00:14:44,880 If Svetlana was able to overcome her fears, then I could try too. 156 00:14:44,960 --> 00:14:46,680 How can I find you? 157 00:14:46,760 --> 00:14:49,000 -How can I find you? -Via the press centre. 158 00:14:49,080 --> 00:14:50,920 -Can I film you? -Yes. 159 00:14:51,000 --> 00:14:52,960 See you soon. Thank you. 160 00:15:05,120 --> 00:15:11,360 I returned to Tallinn after this meeting and for some reason felt even more acutely 161 00:15:11,440 --> 00:15:14,000 how long it has been since I visited Belarus, 162 00:15:14,800 --> 00:15:17,080 my home, my parents. 163 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:24,280 Even before the revolution dictatorship separated me from my homeland, 164 00:15:24,360 --> 00:15:28,920 from my mum and dad, both physically and politically. 165 00:15:40,680 --> 00:15:44,600 The hardest thing about exile is the distance, 166 00:15:44,680 --> 00:15:50,360 the growing gap between those who left and those who stayed. 167 00:15:52,280 --> 00:15:56,240 Masha Rukis, activist and wife of political prisoner Levon Rukis, 168 00:15:56,320 --> 00:16:01,040 remained in Belarus out of principle to publicly defend her husband. 169 00:16:03,440 --> 00:16:05,920 Her fearlessness shocked me greatly, 170 00:16:06,440 --> 00:16:09,920 so I asked her to record video diaries for my film. 171 00:16:10,440 --> 00:16:12,920 But even today, five years later, 172 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:18,560 I still cannot show her face and reveal her real name. 173 00:16:18,640 --> 00:16:20,600 He feels terrible in prison. 174 00:16:20,680 --> 00:16:22,440 He is in a terrible mood. 175 00:16:23,880 --> 00:16:25,920 Mostly negative emotions. 176 00:16:26,000 --> 00:16:28,560 I can see it clearly in his letters to me. 177 00:16:28,640 --> 00:16:33,240 It is impossible to read those letters sometimes. 178 00:16:33,800 --> 00:16:35,120 It's really hard. 179 00:16:35,200 --> 00:16:41,720 His letters are... They are very discouraging. 180 00:16:41,800 --> 00:16:45,200 He openly says: "That's it, nothing will work. 181 00:16:46,560 --> 00:16:49,960 I'll stay in prison for many, many years. 182 00:16:50,040 --> 00:16:52,160 I won't see my daughter go to school, 183 00:16:52,240 --> 00:16:55,040 I won't see anything, I'll miss everything. 184 00:16:55,120 --> 00:16:56,800 I can't live without you." 185 00:16:56,880 --> 00:17:00,720 Hell, I can't live without him either, and it is very hard. 186 00:17:00,800 --> 00:17:05,000 For some reason right now I'm really feeling his absence. 187 00:17:05,760 --> 00:17:07,720 Yes... I don't know. 188 00:17:07,800 --> 00:17:11,600 I need to find someone to take me into their arms, I urgently need it. 189 00:17:12,520 --> 00:17:13,520 Yes. 190 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:18,440 You know, we've had a chat, I told you some things. 191 00:17:18,520 --> 00:17:24,240 If you want, send more questions, I will give you my answers. 192 00:17:24,320 --> 00:17:30,000 Miss you. Love and big hug. You are a sweetie. Bye-bye. 193 00:17:32,720 --> 00:17:37,320 Dear citizens! You are violating current legislation. 194 00:17:37,400 --> 00:17:40,240 Kindly leave now. 195 00:17:40,320 --> 00:17:43,040 In case of non-compliance with lawful requirements... 196 00:17:43,120 --> 00:17:45,960 Despite the cold, fatigue and danger 197 00:17:46,040 --> 00:17:49,360 people continued to take to the streets. 198 00:17:52,000 --> 00:17:55,240 For the first time in my life I saw how people my parents' age 199 00:17:55,320 --> 00:17:59,600 so massively joined the protest in support of the democratic leader. 200 00:18:01,480 --> 00:18:05,400 Reason was telling me that we wouldn't succeed this time either. 201 00:18:08,600 --> 00:18:11,560 Yet I had goosebumps because of the hope. 202 00:18:11,640 --> 00:18:12,960 What if... 203 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:18,960 -Armoured vehicles in Minsk? -Yes. 204 00:18:19,040 --> 00:18:22,800 Get ready. Five, four, three, two, one. 205 00:18:22,880 --> 00:18:24,560 And studio. 206 00:18:25,360 --> 00:18:28,280 His demands are simple and unchangeable. 207 00:18:28,360 --> 00:18:30,600 We want to stop the violence, 208 00:18:30,680 --> 00:18:36,440 release political prisoners and hold new elections. 209 00:18:36,520 --> 00:18:41,600 We all understand that this is impossible without a change of power. 210 00:18:41,680 --> 00:18:45,480 You must know that I am with you. 211 00:18:45,560 --> 00:18:50,080 I follow your will and your peaceful protest. 212 00:18:50,160 --> 00:18:54,440 Today, tomorrow and until our victory. 213 00:18:57,880 --> 00:19:02,160 You talk and listen to everyone. 214 00:19:02,800 --> 00:19:07,600 How do you... Have you learnt to protect yourself, 215 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:09,720 so that it doesn't affect you too much? 216 00:19:09,800 --> 00:19:13,920 Or does it still bother you every time, all this injustice and pain? 217 00:19:14,000 --> 00:19:16,040 I haven't mastered it yet. 218 00:19:16,880 --> 00:19:21,600 And that is why when you are a politician... 219 00:19:21,680 --> 00:19:28,120 I think when you are feeling all this as a human, you can't be a politician. 220 00:19:28,200 --> 00:19:29,840 Being a politician is a job. 221 00:19:30,360 --> 00:19:33,720 While you are living with this... 222 00:19:35,160 --> 00:19:38,080 It's your pain, you can't distance yourself from it, 223 00:19:38,160 --> 00:19:41,720 can't look at it from the outside. You just live in it. 224 00:19:43,320 --> 00:19:45,560 So no, I haven't mastered it yet. I... 225 00:19:46,480 --> 00:19:48,560 I'm on the brink of a nervous breakdown. 226 00:19:50,960 --> 00:19:55,920 I think in our situation it's terrifying to be a politician. 227 00:19:56,840 --> 00:20:00,600 To make political decisions... Yes, we make some decisions right now. 228 00:20:00,680 --> 00:20:06,360 But I make them not as a politician, but as a human being, as a Belarusian. 229 00:20:06,440 --> 00:20:09,680 So far no one has given me a clear definition 230 00:20:09,760 --> 00:20:14,240 of what a politician is and what their duties are. 231 00:20:14,320 --> 00:20:18,400 So maybe I don't fully understand what it means. 232 00:20:19,360 --> 00:20:22,200 Maybe I'm already in politics, who knows? 233 00:20:23,840 --> 00:20:26,760 -Yes. Thank you very much. -Talk later. 234 00:20:26,840 --> 00:20:29,520 -Good luck. All the best. -Yes. 235 00:20:29,600 --> 00:20:31,720 -Thank you. -Thank you very much. 236 00:20:54,440 --> 00:20:58,920 I met Nadia in Tallinn. She recently escaped there from Minsk. 237 00:21:00,320 --> 00:21:03,640 Her husband Sasha was arrested for political reasons. 238 00:21:07,480 --> 00:21:11,640 Nadia is a well-known and important figure in the cultural life of Belarus. 239 00:21:11,720 --> 00:21:14,320 Independent, bold and public. 240 00:21:15,400 --> 00:21:17,280 She's also a mother. 241 00:21:18,080 --> 00:21:19,880 My name is Nadia Zelenkova. 242 00:21:20,720 --> 00:21:24,000 I'm here today to tell the stories of my friends in Belarus. 243 00:21:24,080 --> 00:21:27,440 My best and my closest friend, 244 00:21:27,520 --> 00:21:30,400 my husband Sasha Vasilevich has been in prison 245 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:33,600 for over five months on criminal charges. 246 00:21:34,240 --> 00:21:35,880 His seven-year old daughter, 247 00:21:35,960 --> 00:21:40,120 his eldest daughter, and I haven't seen him since August. 248 00:21:40,200 --> 00:21:46,320 I came to Tallinn three months ago and gave birth to our second child here. 249 00:21:46,400 --> 00:21:49,200 Sasha saw this child only in photographs. 250 00:21:49,280 --> 00:21:52,920 We all know that Belarusians are incredible. 251 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:58,560 Every day journalists, bankers, students and medics 252 00:21:58,640 --> 00:22:02,080 continue to express their right. 253 00:22:02,160 --> 00:22:06,160 The right to be free, the right to choose, 254 00:22:06,240 --> 00:22:10,520 the right to say that white is white and red is red. 255 00:22:11,080 --> 00:22:12,840 Together we will win. 256 00:22:14,040 --> 00:22:15,560 Long live Belarus! 257 00:22:15,640 --> 00:22:19,400 -Long live Belarus! -Long live Belarus! 258 00:22:32,280 --> 00:22:35,240 What is the difference between these three hammers? 259 00:22:36,200 --> 00:22:37,200 They are playing... 260 00:22:40,440 --> 00:22:44,400 Neither Sasha nor I have been able to smell anything for five days. 261 00:22:44,480 --> 00:22:46,160 Our tests are positive. 262 00:22:46,240 --> 00:22:49,280 The cell is in quarantine. The illness isn't too bad. 263 00:22:49,360 --> 00:22:53,840 It's just sore throat and a bit of a cough, 264 00:22:53,920 --> 00:22:58,000 but we do not know how it's going to affect us. 265 00:22:58,080 --> 00:23:03,280 We sleep and take hot drinks. In short, everything is fine. 266 00:23:04,720 --> 00:23:06,240 Great. 267 00:23:12,480 --> 00:23:14,800 Well, they'll get ill in prison. 268 00:23:15,440 --> 00:23:17,360 They'll do lots of things in prison. 269 00:23:40,280 --> 00:23:43,880 When Svetlana came to visit us on her first visit 270 00:23:43,960 --> 00:23:46,760 I felt something special. 271 00:23:48,480 --> 00:23:51,080 As if receiving the president herself in Tallinn, 272 00:23:51,160 --> 00:23:55,800 where I found my safe haven, brought us closer to each other. 273 00:23:58,280 --> 00:24:01,560 As you know, we have Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya here today. 274 00:24:01,640 --> 00:24:04,400 She is our leader, elected by our people. 275 00:24:04,480 --> 00:24:06,520 Thank you so much for inviting me. 276 00:24:06,600 --> 00:24:10,080 For me in every country I visit... 277 00:24:11,800 --> 00:24:15,400 One of the most important... how do I put it... 278 00:24:15,480 --> 00:24:20,360 One of the most important parts of the program is meeting diaspora. 279 00:24:20,440 --> 00:24:24,200 We are always very happy to see fellow Belarusians. 280 00:24:25,120 --> 00:24:27,880 It is most important to maintain unity. 281 00:24:27,960 --> 00:24:31,720 When we all came together in the summer, 282 00:24:31,800 --> 00:24:36,400 it led to a revolution of consciousness - together we have the power. 283 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:40,840 I don't want to praise myself. 284 00:24:40,920 --> 00:24:44,000 But as they say, my job to bring us together... 285 00:24:44,080 --> 00:24:49,080 I'm joking now... Like a mother hen. Bringing the chicks together. 286 00:24:49,160 --> 00:24:51,680 I'm trying to bring everyone together. 287 00:24:51,760 --> 00:24:53,640 So far I am succeeding. 288 00:24:57,960 --> 00:25:00,120 -Svetlana, hello! -Hello. 289 00:25:00,200 --> 00:25:02,840 I'm Artemy Troitsky. This is my wife. 290 00:25:02,920 --> 00:25:04,920 I am from Minsk originally. 291 00:25:05,840 --> 00:25:08,600 But I left 27 years ago. 292 00:25:08,680 --> 00:25:11,320 The main thing is you are here and you support us. 293 00:25:11,400 --> 00:25:13,080 Thank you. 294 00:25:13,160 --> 00:25:14,160 Good luck. 295 00:25:14,240 --> 00:25:17,720 I have no doubt that the victory will be yours. 296 00:25:17,800 --> 00:25:19,120 Indeed. 297 00:25:20,000 --> 00:25:22,680 Not sure about us, but you will have your victory. 298 00:25:22,760 --> 00:25:24,640 -Thank you. -I feel the same. 299 00:25:24,720 --> 00:25:27,720 -And soon. -We have the same feeling. 300 00:25:27,800 --> 00:25:30,000 -It won't take a year. -Thank you. 301 00:25:30,080 --> 00:25:33,680 I won't talk about the timeframe, but it will be fine. 302 00:25:33,760 --> 00:25:36,600 -Thank you very much. -Good luck. 303 00:25:39,160 --> 00:25:42,720 You have a baby, you shouldn't have been waiting. 304 00:25:42,800 --> 00:25:45,840 -So sute! -Please meet Urshulya. 305 00:25:45,920 --> 00:25:47,680 Urshulya! 306 00:25:47,760 --> 00:25:50,240 When a little happiness like this is born 307 00:25:50,320 --> 00:25:54,280 it somehow distracts you and gives you support. 308 00:25:54,360 --> 00:25:57,000 -Can I take a picture of you? -Yes, okay. 309 00:25:57,080 --> 00:26:00,440 You'll have a moment for a chat later. 310 00:26:04,000 --> 00:26:05,440 -Thank you. -Thank you. 311 00:26:05,520 --> 00:26:08,400 -I'll see you again tomorrow. -With Nadia, yes. 312 00:26:10,960 --> 00:26:13,080 -Thank you. -Good luck. 313 00:26:17,000 --> 00:26:18,240 Hello. 314 00:26:18,320 --> 00:26:22,480 Today, as part of the "Leaves of Freedom" project 315 00:26:22,560 --> 00:26:27,960 I will read a letter which he wrote for his daughter Adel Vasilevich. 316 00:26:30,160 --> 00:26:34,680 "Daddy and a Penguin or How to Stay in a Good Mood in Prison." 317 00:26:35,920 --> 00:26:39,560 Daddy was sitting in his cell drinking coffee with chocolate cake. 318 00:26:39,640 --> 00:26:42,800 The cake came from his friends, and it was very tasty. 319 00:26:42,880 --> 00:26:45,040 And coffee was Daddy's favourite. 320 00:26:45,640 --> 00:26:46,640 The door opened 321 00:26:46,720 --> 00:26:50,880 and a Penguin walked in with a mattress in one hand and a bag in the other. 322 00:26:51,560 --> 00:26:53,520 The door shut with a bang. 323 00:26:53,600 --> 00:26:56,440 The Penguin looked dishevelled and tired. 324 00:26:57,000 --> 00:26:58,480 "Hello." 325 00:26:58,560 --> 00:27:01,320 "Hello," replied Daddy and showed the Penguin 326 00:27:01,400 --> 00:27:03,640 where to put his mattress and bag. 327 00:27:04,400 --> 00:27:08,160 Having drunk his tea the Penguin sat on his bed and looked at Daddy. 328 00:27:08,240 --> 00:27:10,360 "Why are you so calm and not sad at all? 329 00:27:10,440 --> 00:27:13,240 After all, you and I are very unlucky. 330 00:27:13,320 --> 00:27:16,280 Things were so good for us, and now they are so bad." 331 00:27:16,880 --> 00:27:18,840 Daddy smiled at the Penguin. 332 00:27:18,920 --> 00:27:23,600 "I'm here, in prison, and I can't change that or influence it in any way. 333 00:27:23,680 --> 00:27:25,520 But I can choose to be sad or happy. 334 00:27:25,600 --> 00:27:27,600 It's one thing I can choose. 335 00:27:27,680 --> 00:27:30,520 What would you choose? To be sad or happy?" 336 00:27:31,120 --> 00:27:34,560 The Penguin replied quickly: "Of course, I'd choose to be happy. 337 00:27:34,640 --> 00:27:37,480 Or at least calm. But how?" 338 00:27:37,560 --> 00:27:39,960 "You used to be happy, you joked and played, 339 00:27:40,040 --> 00:27:42,280 read books and chatted with friends." 340 00:27:42,360 --> 00:27:44,160 "Yes," said the Penguin. 341 00:27:44,240 --> 00:27:47,400 "Then stay happy, don't let anything change you. 342 00:27:47,480 --> 00:27:50,280 Be the person you like." 343 00:27:50,920 --> 00:27:52,680 "But I'm in prison now." 344 00:27:52,760 --> 00:27:56,400 "So what? We are having a nice conversation now, aren't we?" 345 00:27:56,480 --> 00:27:59,360 "Maybe so, but what about later?" 346 00:27:59,440 --> 00:28:02,480 "There is no later. Only now." 347 00:28:03,360 --> 00:28:04,880 The End. 348 00:28:14,960 --> 00:28:16,440 How is Sergei? 349 00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:20,200 I suppose he is okay. 350 00:28:20,280 --> 00:28:26,200 He gets a visitor three times a week. Just for a chat, 351 00:28:26,280 --> 00:28:30,840 because he has been in solitary confinement for about four months now. 352 00:28:33,080 --> 00:28:34,720 Out of eight. 353 00:28:34,800 --> 00:28:36,320 In some way he is calmer, 354 00:28:36,400 --> 00:28:40,320 but he really misses human company, so they visit him. 355 00:28:40,400 --> 00:28:43,640 He tries to give me instructions and advice. 356 00:28:43,720 --> 00:28:48,000 That's his style. I try to listen, but... 357 00:28:50,200 --> 00:28:55,520 He said to someone: "I can wait here for ten years for you all to get ready." 358 00:29:00,080 --> 00:29:03,160 Eight months of emptiness. 359 00:29:03,240 --> 00:29:06,520 Tsikhanousky is not here, he is there, and I understand that... 360 00:29:07,040 --> 00:29:12,000 During my first months I had a feeling 361 00:29:12,080 --> 00:29:15,720 that they were about to come out. Any time now. Very soon. 362 00:29:15,800 --> 00:29:19,680 People around me were very active, they kept saying, 363 00:29:19,760 --> 00:29:23,520 oh, it's his first term, he'll do a month and they'll let him out. 364 00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:28,240 Then another month, and another, but we still thought he'd be out soon. 365 00:29:28,320 --> 00:29:31,800 Now I know it's not going to happen. 366 00:29:32,760 --> 00:29:34,040 Yes. 367 00:29:34,800 --> 00:29:36,800 Do you think people will go out? 368 00:29:37,880 --> 00:29:39,680 I don't know. 369 00:29:39,760 --> 00:29:43,400 They should, but I don't know. 370 00:29:43,480 --> 00:29:46,560 We are women. What else can we do? 371 00:29:46,640 --> 00:29:48,480 We have to fight. 372 00:29:54,440 --> 00:29:57,760 I realise that my personal chances aren't great either. 373 00:29:57,840 --> 00:30:02,480 People are only interested in me because I have a small child. 374 00:30:02,560 --> 00:30:06,920 While I was pregnant, people showed an interest. 375 00:30:07,000 --> 00:30:12,680 Now the child is two months old, it is no longer big news. 376 00:30:12,760 --> 00:30:15,000 People lose interest. 377 00:30:15,080 --> 00:30:16,680 While you can run the headline 378 00:30:16,760 --> 00:30:20,160 "Father has not seen his child but you have" 379 00:30:20,240 --> 00:30:22,160 it's going to work. 380 00:30:22,240 --> 00:30:26,160 I am being cynical and... 381 00:30:26,240 --> 00:30:29,400 But it's true. As long as there are headlines and images, 382 00:30:29,480 --> 00:30:35,440 and media content, people have interest. 383 00:30:35,520 --> 00:30:40,000 That's why we have to generate news, even artificially, 384 00:30:40,080 --> 00:30:45,720 and grab any opportunity to shout about our situation, talk about it. 385 00:30:45,800 --> 00:30:49,440 Because people forget. And we need to keep that in mind. 386 00:30:51,800 --> 00:30:57,560 -You are a young mother... -A young mother who needs a young dad. 387 00:30:58,360 --> 00:31:00,560 And preferably sooner. 388 00:31:00,640 --> 00:31:02,720 Can I give you a hug? 389 00:31:05,120 --> 00:31:07,160 See you in Minsk. 390 00:31:13,200 --> 00:31:14,920 Hello, beautiful! 391 00:31:15,000 --> 00:31:20,080 I'm sending you my impressions of today. 392 00:31:20,160 --> 00:31:22,680 Actually, I am shocked. Have a look. 393 00:31:24,000 --> 00:31:27,640 So, flowers number one. 394 00:31:30,000 --> 00:31:34,000 More flowers, so many of them. 395 00:31:35,200 --> 00:31:38,760 And this one as well, with a balloon. 396 00:31:38,840 --> 00:31:41,800 I'm properly shocked. 397 00:31:41,880 --> 00:31:46,120 I didn't expect so many flowers. 398 00:31:46,200 --> 00:31:50,440 I've still got adrenaline running through me I think, 399 00:31:50,520 --> 00:31:52,880 because this is insanely sweet. 400 00:31:54,040 --> 00:32:00,120 When he does things like this... it's probably giving me strength 401 00:32:00,720 --> 00:32:02,880 and making me realise even more 402 00:32:02,960 --> 00:32:07,840 that I'll burn everything to the ground to get him out of there. 403 00:32:07,920 --> 00:32:12,840 Love you, hug you, my beautiful. Sending you a little video on Telegram. 404 00:32:13,520 --> 00:32:18,640 Talking to you is like talking to a therapist. 405 00:32:18,720 --> 00:32:22,800 Yes. Bye for now. Kisses and hugs. 406 00:32:22,880 --> 00:32:25,240 Love you to the moon and back. Bye. 407 00:32:46,800 --> 00:32:49,720 What do you miss the most? 408 00:32:49,800 --> 00:32:53,760 I miss him as a person and everything to do with him. 409 00:32:54,600 --> 00:32:58,600 Home... I don't give a damn about home. 410 00:32:59,680 --> 00:33:02,960 Your friends, your apartment, 411 00:33:03,040 --> 00:33:08,000 social connections... All this can be started afresh... 412 00:33:08,080 --> 00:33:10,880 And the rest as well... 413 00:33:10,960 --> 00:33:15,160 But the person you lived with and want to be with is missing. 414 00:33:15,240 --> 00:33:19,760 You don't know how long it will last. You know he's not on a business trip, 415 00:33:19,840 --> 00:33:25,400 he's not just taking a year off to have a vacation. 416 00:33:25,480 --> 00:33:27,800 You don't know when this "year" will end. 417 00:33:27,880 --> 00:33:30,440 Will it be five years or six, seven, eight? 418 00:33:30,520 --> 00:33:32,920 No one knows. 419 00:33:33,800 --> 00:33:38,080 It's like you are missing your life. 420 00:33:39,200 --> 00:33:40,760 At least. 421 00:33:40,840 --> 00:33:43,800 A large part of your life. 422 00:33:45,040 --> 00:33:46,560 Like a half. 423 00:33:52,040 --> 00:33:55,000 I hope I didn't upset you too much with my questions? 424 00:33:55,080 --> 00:33:58,920 No, you didn't. I'm okay with the questions. 425 00:33:59,000 --> 00:34:04,200 Everybody's asking the same questions. And I'm not... 426 00:34:05,200 --> 00:34:07,400 I'm not always prepared to answer. 427 00:34:07,480 --> 00:34:10,040 "How did you feel when Sasha went to jail?" 428 00:34:10,120 --> 00:34:13,360 "How did Sasha feel when his child was born?" 429 00:34:13,440 --> 00:34:16,120 I get it, people want 430 00:34:16,200 --> 00:34:18,040 blood and guts. 431 00:34:18,720 --> 00:34:23,000 But we don't want our blood and guts smeared across people's faces. 432 00:34:23,080 --> 00:34:24,560 Do we? 433 00:34:29,280 --> 00:34:31,280 Do we? 434 00:34:49,960 --> 00:34:52,640 The Belarusian protests lasted for ten months 435 00:34:52,720 --> 00:34:55,160 before Lukashenko shut them down. 436 00:34:56,320 --> 00:34:58,040 Out of fear of being inured, 437 00:34:58,120 --> 00:35:02,600 arrested or killed people stopped taking to the streets. 438 00:35:04,640 --> 00:35:07,200 There were fewer and fewer people in Belarus, 439 00:35:07,280 --> 00:35:11,000 who were not afraid to speak out publicly against the regime. 440 00:35:12,960 --> 00:35:17,160 The protest moved underground, to the kitchens of tiny apartments. 441 00:35:23,160 --> 00:35:24,560 Sasha, Sergei and Levon, 442 00:35:24,640 --> 00:35:27,040 like hundreds of other political prisoners, 443 00:35:27,120 --> 00:35:30,520 awaited their trial in inhuman conditions. 444 00:35:30,600 --> 00:35:33,760 Levon even tried to commit suicide, 445 00:35:33,840 --> 00:35:36,520 a way to demand better conditions in prison, 446 00:35:36,600 --> 00:35:41,120 which political prisoners sometimes attempt out of despair. 447 00:35:41,200 --> 00:35:44,960 I was afraid that Masha would not be able to cope with all this. 448 00:35:45,640 --> 00:35:50,000 It's hard to try to live a normal life knowing that he is in jail. 449 00:35:50,080 --> 00:35:51,880 Especially after that meeting, 450 00:35:51,960 --> 00:35:58,760 when he was looking at me, begging for help with his eyes. 451 00:35:59,280 --> 00:36:03,720 I try my best to stay sane, 452 00:36:03,800 --> 00:36:10,080 although lately there have been more times when I lose my temper completely 453 00:36:10,160 --> 00:36:14,480 and start hitting things with my right hand. Yes. 454 00:36:14,560 --> 00:36:19,520 I get angry, especially when I can't change anything. 455 00:36:20,080 --> 00:36:22,200 Rage just takes over. 456 00:36:22,920 --> 00:36:26,640 I try not to think about the verdict, 457 00:36:26,720 --> 00:36:29,640 because I seriously fear my reaction. 458 00:36:29,720 --> 00:36:31,760 I have a very strong fear. 459 00:36:32,600 --> 00:36:36,240 I fear for what will happen to me and to him. 460 00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:38,720 Don't know. I am afraid of myself. 461 00:36:38,800 --> 00:36:43,400 I'm afraid I won't be able to hold back and do something terrible. 462 00:36:43,480 --> 00:36:45,720 Or that he might do something terrible. 463 00:36:45,800 --> 00:36:50,560 I am probably more afraid of what he might do. 464 00:36:51,800 --> 00:36:56,200 So it is very hard. Yes. 465 00:37:03,400 --> 00:37:07,760 Here's a good example of Samantha Power making a speech. 466 00:37:07,840 --> 00:37:10,480 It's all very well, but where were you before? 467 00:37:10,560 --> 00:37:13,760 -Tell me why... -I'll always be by your side now. 468 00:37:13,840 --> 00:37:16,080 She is talking about Syria... 469 00:37:16,160 --> 00:37:22,400 Against Eastern Aleppo and its 275 thousand civilians. 470 00:37:22,480 --> 00:37:25,720 Russia and Assad have reportedly launched more than 100... 471 00:37:25,800 --> 00:37:28,040 Very confident manner, low voice... 472 00:37:28,120 --> 00:37:34,920 In the last 72 hours, killing at least 139 people and injuring hundreds more. 473 00:37:35,000 --> 00:37:36,920 -This is unprecedented... -All done? 474 00:37:37,000 --> 00:37:39,600 Are you sure? Have you checked everything? 475 00:37:40,280 --> 00:37:43,800 -If I stumble or something goes wrong... -I'll be to blame. 476 00:37:46,280 --> 00:37:49,600 It's not funny. This is serious stuff. 477 00:37:49,680 --> 00:37:51,920 Let's read the whole text now. 478 00:37:54,000 --> 00:37:58,240 Dear members of the UN Security Council. I'm glad to thank... 479 00:37:58,320 --> 00:38:01,440 Looking at Svetlana, I tried to understand 480 00:38:01,520 --> 00:38:05,120 how she finds the strength to overcome her fears, 481 00:38:05,200 --> 00:38:07,720 her lack of experience in public speaking, 482 00:38:07,800 --> 00:38:10,840 the language barrier when communicating in English. 483 00:38:11,520 --> 00:38:13,120 May I? 484 00:38:13,200 --> 00:38:16,120 Valery, I am just checking the text for errors. 485 00:38:16,200 --> 00:38:20,520 How I'm reading it now is not how I will be reading it there. 486 00:38:21,040 --> 00:38:22,240 -Can we read it? -Yes. 487 00:38:30,800 --> 00:38:32,400 You can do it. 488 00:38:45,400 --> 00:38:49,080 Dear members of the UN Security Council, 489 00:38:49,160 --> 00:38:53,720 since September the situation in Belarus has not improved. 490 00:38:53,800 --> 00:38:55,680 It has only worsened. 491 00:38:55,760 --> 00:39:01,320 And this made the media a target for Lukashenko's repression machine. 492 00:39:01,400 --> 00:39:04,920 I call on the UN to take a vocal stand, 493 00:39:05,000 --> 00:39:08,640 to stop the violence and lawlessness in Belarus, 494 00:39:08,720 --> 00:39:10,560 including censorship of media 495 00:39:10,640 --> 00:39:14,560 and cancellations of journalists' accreditations. 496 00:39:17,800 --> 00:39:21,120 Svetlana, a woman with no background in politics, 497 00:39:21,200 --> 00:39:24,920 has become part of the predominantly male world of big politics. 498 00:39:27,040 --> 00:39:31,480 As the leader of the opposition, she became a symbol of a free Belarus 499 00:39:32,280 --> 00:39:36,680 and a role model for many women, including me. 500 00:39:56,720 --> 00:40:01,080 As of today we have eight deaths already 501 00:40:01,160 --> 00:40:07,080 and 189 political prisoners in jails 502 00:40:07,160 --> 00:40:12,760 and about 31 thousand people detained or fined. 503 00:40:12,840 --> 00:40:17,560 1130 people are recognized as political prisoners 504 00:40:17,640 --> 00:40:20,280 and thousands more falsely imprisoned. 505 00:40:20,360 --> 00:40:25,920 There are currently 1140 political prisoners in Belarus. 506 00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:27,840 This number is much higher. 507 00:40:30,000 --> 00:40:33,680 Diplomacy is so difficult and slow. 508 00:40:34,480 --> 00:40:38,560 Endless repetition of the same thing every day. 509 00:40:39,200 --> 00:40:42,880 Everyone expected almost miracles from Svetlana. 510 00:40:43,440 --> 00:40:45,640 Constantly being in the spotlight 511 00:40:45,720 --> 00:40:49,160 she couldn't afford to show any confusion. 512 00:40:49,240 --> 00:40:54,080 Democratic countries don't know how to remove dictatorship. 513 00:40:54,160 --> 00:40:57,720 You are democratic countries, you want to communicate, 514 00:40:57,800 --> 00:41:02,560 you want to explain, you want re-educate dictators, 515 00:41:02,640 --> 00:41:04,560 but they cannot be re-educated. 516 00:41:04,640 --> 00:41:10,920 The answer is that dictatorships can only be overthrown by their own people. 517 00:41:11,000 --> 00:41:15,200 The world can't actually go to war 518 00:41:15,280 --> 00:41:20,000 in these countries to change the regime. 519 00:41:20,080 --> 00:41:22,000 We have learned this lesson. 520 00:41:25,400 --> 00:41:29,560 Svetlana tried not to show her natural fragility to anyone. 521 00:41:30,680 --> 00:41:32,920 She was not only on her own, 522 00:41:33,000 --> 00:41:35,160 she was going one-on-one with the dictator. 523 00:41:36,520 --> 00:41:39,240 As if subconsciously seeking support 524 00:41:39,320 --> 00:41:43,520 Svetlana always carries a folder with a portrait of her husband Sergei. 525 00:41:43,600 --> 00:41:45,840 Like a talisman. 526 00:41:48,520 --> 00:41:50,640 In Belarus, we say: 527 00:41:50,720 --> 00:41:53,920 to be behind your husband is like being behind a stone wall. 528 00:41:54,000 --> 00:41:57,800 It means you are protected and safe. 529 00:41:59,240 --> 00:42:02,760 But do we really need this protection? 530 00:42:20,440 --> 00:42:26,720 Getting closer to Svetlana and filming her work life and political meetings, 531 00:42:26,800 --> 00:42:31,720 I wanted to better understand her as a person, as a woman. 532 00:42:33,120 --> 00:42:36,320 How does she cope with all this? 533 00:42:36,400 --> 00:42:40,160 It was as if I was searching for wisdom how to cope myself. 534 00:42:41,360 --> 00:42:47,160 I am not afraid for myself and my children. I shall be where I shall be. 535 00:42:47,240 --> 00:42:50,920 I constantly fear for Belarusian people, especially those in prison. 536 00:42:51,000 --> 00:42:56,360 I wake up and I think: what is Sergei doing right now? 537 00:42:56,440 --> 00:43:03,120 I know his schedule. Wake up is at 6am, then inspection. 538 00:43:03,200 --> 00:43:06,800 You can't sleep there properly. Banging on the door, barking dogs, 539 00:43:06,880 --> 00:43:09,200 constant noise. 540 00:43:11,320 --> 00:43:15,760 I'd be doing something, have an interview, have a discussion, 541 00:43:15,840 --> 00:43:18,320 after that my thoughts wander back to him. 542 00:43:18,400 --> 00:43:20,400 Everything mixed in together. 543 00:43:21,840 --> 00:43:24,960 Does he ever send you his love, tender words? 544 00:43:25,560 --> 00:43:29,240 You can't do this via another person. 545 00:43:30,960 --> 00:43:35,440 They tell me he loves me and misses me. He's not going to pour his heart out. 546 00:43:35,520 --> 00:43:39,720 Especially since we saw in the recent propaganda films 547 00:43:39,800 --> 00:43:41,560 how they record everything there. 548 00:43:41,640 --> 00:43:46,320 You wouldn't be pouring your heart out there 549 00:43:47,080 --> 00:43:52,480 just to give propaganda journalists a chance to ridicule and mock you for it. 550 00:43:56,160 --> 00:43:59,320 It's shocking, yes. 551 00:43:59,400 --> 00:44:03,000 It must be hard for you to be without your loved one for so long. 552 00:44:03,080 --> 00:44:07,880 It is very hard. I got used to being "behind my husband". 553 00:44:09,360 --> 00:44:14,040 In fact, it happened in my life that I had to follow my husband. 554 00:44:14,120 --> 00:44:18,920 And now I'm doing it all by myself. 555 00:44:19,000 --> 00:44:23,280 Turns out I'm capable too. 556 00:44:24,040 --> 00:44:25,600 So far I've been strong enough. 557 00:44:26,160 --> 00:44:30,320 I don't know, I've always underestimated myself. 558 00:44:31,520 --> 00:44:34,800 I thought, I am married, I am a weak and feeble woman. 559 00:44:34,880 --> 00:44:38,880 I have an ordinary life, I have children, 560 00:44:38,960 --> 00:44:44,840 I never needed to be very strong. 561 00:44:44,920 --> 00:44:47,600 Of course, there were difficult moments with kids, 562 00:44:47,680 --> 00:44:50,640 when I had to be strong, but this is different strength. 563 00:44:50,720 --> 00:44:55,280 You just find the strength within. 564 00:44:55,360 --> 00:44:59,920 Maybe life is showing me that I am stronger than I think. 565 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:01,000 Yes. 566 00:45:01,080 --> 00:45:06,240 In our situation life is teaching this lesson to each Belarusian. 567 00:45:06,320 --> 00:45:07,560 So... 568 00:45:12,040 --> 00:45:14,400 Here is Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya. 569 00:45:15,120 --> 00:45:16,880 I am angry too. 570 00:45:17,520 --> 00:45:20,760 We thought this shouldn't last this long, 571 00:45:21,320 --> 00:45:25,920 shouldn't be this difficult, shouldn't be so many losses. 572 00:45:26,800 --> 00:45:29,000 And I am also angry that in response to this 573 00:45:29,080 --> 00:45:33,360 Belarusians got revenge, violence and crisis. 574 00:45:34,040 --> 00:45:38,320 It makes me angry that we were deprived of feeling safe in our home. 575 00:45:39,240 --> 00:45:43,360 It makes me angry that they tell me it was all for nothing. 576 00:45:44,800 --> 00:45:46,320 I am scared too. 577 00:45:46,960 --> 00:45:50,000 What if the regime takes another life? 578 00:45:50,600 --> 00:45:52,920 What if we are not strong enough? 579 00:45:53,440 --> 00:45:57,280 What if our children have to start all over again? 580 00:45:57,840 --> 00:46:01,680 What if this entire journey, with all the work, 581 00:46:01,760 --> 00:46:05,040 love and faith doesn't lead to victory? 582 00:46:06,160 --> 00:46:08,880 I feel all this too. 583 00:46:08,960 --> 00:46:13,160 And I can see how easy it would be to give in to despair right now. 584 00:46:14,040 --> 00:46:16,160 Sometimes we all feel 585 00:46:16,240 --> 00:46:20,560 that there isn't a single ray of light in the darkness. 586 00:46:23,000 --> 00:46:24,680 Happy New Year. 587 00:46:25,760 --> 00:46:27,800 The old year is over. 588 00:46:30,480 --> 00:46:33,320 Some juice for you? And for the children? 589 00:46:33,400 --> 00:46:37,240 -Can we open the presents? -We can open the presents now. 590 00:47:02,040 --> 00:47:05,160 Nadia's family has become like a new home for me. 591 00:47:06,040 --> 00:47:10,080 Reach your arms up and look to your thumbs. 592 00:47:10,160 --> 00:47:11,720 Breathe. Look to your hands. 593 00:47:11,800 --> 00:47:13,760 Friendship with Nadia and her daughters 594 00:47:13,840 --> 00:47:19,080 helped me fill the void of not seeing my nephews in Belarus, 595 00:47:19,160 --> 00:47:21,280 almost the same age as Nadia's children. 596 00:47:22,440 --> 00:47:27,760 My niece was born in 2020 and I have never met her in real life. 597 00:47:27,840 --> 00:47:30,200 Exhale. 598 00:47:30,840 --> 00:47:32,360 Push. 599 00:47:32,440 --> 00:47:33,960 Good. One, 600 00:47:34,840 --> 00:47:36,360 two, 601 00:47:36,960 --> 00:47:40,560 three, four. 602 00:47:42,040 --> 00:47:43,640 Yeah. 603 00:47:43,720 --> 00:47:46,600 Five. Lower down. 604 00:47:46,680 --> 00:47:48,920 Open the arms. Good. 605 00:47:49,000 --> 00:47:50,680 Well done, mummy! 606 00:47:53,600 --> 00:47:57,680 -Straight arms. -What is she doing here? 607 00:47:57,760 --> 00:48:01,200 Take Ursha, we are going to sing the mantra. 608 00:48:23,240 --> 00:48:26,360 Eighteen years of high security incarceration. 609 00:48:26,440 --> 00:48:29,640 That's how much oppositionist and blogger Sergei Tsikhanousky 610 00:48:29,720 --> 00:48:32,480 received for his anti-government activities. 611 00:48:46,160 --> 00:48:52,720 I was in a meeting, and someone just whispered into my ear... 18. 612 00:48:52,800 --> 00:48:56,520 My heart stopped, but I was in a meeting, so I carried on. 613 00:48:56,600 --> 00:49:00,360 I wasn't paying as much attention, but I carried on. 614 00:49:00,440 --> 00:49:05,400 And after that I had endless interviews. 615 00:49:05,480 --> 00:49:07,640 Everyone asked the same: "How do you feel?" 616 00:49:07,720 --> 00:49:10,560 And you go through this again and again. 617 00:49:10,640 --> 00:49:12,560 Eighteen years, eighteen years. 618 00:49:12,640 --> 00:49:18,040 But I knew from the very beginning 619 00:49:18,120 --> 00:49:22,880 that 18 years is not 18 years of life. It's just a number, it's... 620 00:49:22,960 --> 00:49:25,240 But psychologically, of course, it is hard. 621 00:49:25,320 --> 00:49:28,480 Eighteen years, have they lost their mind completely? 622 00:49:28,560 --> 00:49:30,560 It's more of a question for the regime. 623 00:49:31,200 --> 00:49:32,880 And... 624 00:49:32,960 --> 00:49:34,840 You say to yourself: 625 00:49:35,880 --> 00:49:37,320 right, we need interviews, 626 00:49:37,400 --> 00:49:41,000 Belarus needs this attention. Just do your work. 627 00:49:41,080 --> 00:49:43,000 This is what you can do right now. 628 00:49:43,080 --> 00:49:47,240 Crying and feeling sorry for myself... I can cry into my pillow in the evening. 629 00:49:47,320 --> 00:49:50,240 I didn't say anything to the children. 630 00:49:50,320 --> 00:49:55,000 There is no point. 631 00:49:55,080 --> 00:49:59,400 I don't see this as actual years, 632 00:49:59,480 --> 00:50:02,480 and I'm not going to work out 633 00:50:02,560 --> 00:50:05,240 how old my son will be when his dad is released. 634 00:50:05,320 --> 00:50:10,920 I am not going to do that. This is not how my brain works. 635 00:50:15,000 --> 00:50:18,000 Okay, Olechka, I'll move onto the next call. 636 00:50:18,080 --> 00:50:21,760 -Thank you. -Happy holidays. 637 00:50:22,800 --> 00:50:25,320 Have a wonderful vacation with your children. 638 00:50:25,400 --> 00:50:28,160 Rest and reboot. I wish you strength and energy. 639 00:50:28,240 --> 00:50:29,920 See you soon. 640 00:50:30,000 --> 00:50:33,600 -Thank you. Bye. -Bye. 641 00:50:40,000 --> 00:50:45,560 Just like Sergei, Levon received a long sentence of 15 years. 642 00:50:46,440 --> 00:50:49,800 Masha was very tired from the endless court hearings and struggles. 643 00:50:49,880 --> 00:50:53,040 She really needed a change of scenery. 644 00:50:53,120 --> 00:50:57,200 Fortunately, she was not banned from travelling. 645 00:51:11,520 --> 00:51:15,520 Do I understand correctly that you are going to return to Belarus? 646 00:51:15,600 --> 00:51:17,720 I am going to return to Belarus, of course. 647 00:51:17,800 --> 00:51:19,400 I always say this to everyone: 648 00:51:19,480 --> 00:51:24,280 while he is in a pre-trial detention, I do not plan to leave Belarus. 649 00:51:24,360 --> 00:51:27,680 Even if I face 10, 15, 20 criminal charges against me. 650 00:51:27,760 --> 00:51:33,280 I realise it's the regime's way to scare me, to manipulate me, 651 00:51:33,360 --> 00:51:38,160 but while he is behind bars I shall remain in Belarus. 652 00:51:38,240 --> 00:51:40,040 He can use his cowardly ways, 653 00:51:40,120 --> 00:51:43,320 and I have to say he is a master of that. 654 00:51:43,400 --> 00:51:46,000 And... As you wish. 655 00:51:46,080 --> 00:51:49,160 Aren't you afraid? I'm sure you hear this question a lot, 656 00:51:49,240 --> 00:51:50,640 but I have to ask too. 657 00:51:50,720 --> 00:51:55,120 I am not afraid. I think each time they kill this fear. 658 00:51:55,200 --> 00:51:57,840 All the security forces, this whole environment, 659 00:51:57,920 --> 00:52:03,480 they have killed the fear in me. They've made me what I am now. 660 00:52:03,560 --> 00:52:07,560 How can Estonia help Belarus right here right now? 661 00:52:08,960 --> 00:52:12,440 I think it's very important to keep talking. 662 00:52:12,520 --> 00:52:16,760 What Maria does is very important, and very brave too, on every level. 663 00:52:16,840 --> 00:52:20,720 She talks about the real situation, 664 00:52:20,800 --> 00:52:25,520 the number of people in prison, the conditions they face. 665 00:52:25,600 --> 00:52:30,080 How unfair and absurd the system is. 666 00:52:30,640 --> 00:52:34,680 For example, independent media are recognized as extremist organisations, 667 00:52:34,760 --> 00:52:38,640 Telegram channels are recognized as extremist organisations. 668 00:52:39,160 --> 00:52:43,000 The white-red-white flag is recognized as extremist. 669 00:52:43,080 --> 00:52:48,120 It appears Belarus is going back to the Soviet times in their worst manifestation. 670 00:52:48,200 --> 00:52:50,160 Unfortunately, yes. 671 00:52:54,840 --> 00:52:57,960 They covered us up, but at least in Tallinn it is still there. 672 00:52:58,040 --> 00:52:59,520 I'm shocked. 673 00:53:00,920 --> 00:53:04,080 What a cool graffiti, a symbol of our struggle. 674 00:53:06,320 --> 00:53:10,440 -They haven't arrested you yet? -Honestly, I wonder myself every day. 675 00:53:10,520 --> 00:53:12,840 I thought you were... 676 00:53:14,000 --> 00:53:15,360 very outspoken and bold. 677 00:53:15,440 --> 00:53:22,120 Masha has no limits. She is a firecracker alright. 678 00:53:22,200 --> 00:53:25,400 I go, I come back... 679 00:53:25,480 --> 00:53:28,640 -Publish whatever you want... -As soon as I land in Minsk. 680 00:53:28,720 --> 00:53:33,760 -Do what you want. The main thing... -To cross the border. 681 00:53:33,840 --> 00:53:34,840 Yes. 682 00:53:34,920 --> 00:53:37,480 I don't get it at all, 683 00:53:37,560 --> 00:53:42,000 how could such a sweet, peace-loving, intelligent nation 684 00:53:42,080 --> 00:53:44,280 like Belarusians 685 00:53:44,360 --> 00:53:51,320 produce... 686 00:53:51,400 --> 00:53:54,880 such a type like Lukashenko? 687 00:53:54,960 --> 00:53:58,240 -I don't get it at all. -He hates Belarus. 688 00:53:59,080 --> 00:54:00,680 I get it with Russia. 689 00:54:00,760 --> 00:54:06,040 They've always had their fair share of psychopaths 690 00:54:06,120 --> 00:54:13,120 and idiots brimming with energy. 691 00:54:13,200 --> 00:54:17,480 But Belarusians are different. Belarusians are not Russians. 692 00:54:24,720 --> 00:54:25,720 Here's to... 693 00:54:25,800 --> 00:54:27,320 freedom. 694 00:54:41,480 --> 00:54:45,320 The night before Masha's departure we hardly slept. 695 00:54:45,400 --> 00:54:49,480 We talked non-stop, like old school friends. 696 00:54:49,560 --> 00:54:55,160 We didn't know how long our separation would be or when we would meet again. 697 00:55:06,720 --> 00:55:11,880 The coolest thing here is that everything works without VPN. 698 00:55:13,960 --> 00:55:15,800 -You mean here in Estonia? -Yes. 699 00:55:15,880 --> 00:55:17,240 It's the same in Georgia. 700 00:55:17,320 --> 00:55:21,080 In Belarus websites are blocked, you need to use VPN. 701 00:55:21,160 --> 00:55:25,720 Here everything works normally. 702 00:55:25,800 --> 00:55:29,960 You can read the news. 703 00:55:43,640 --> 00:55:48,240 That's it, we need to go to bed. I'm turning it off. Turn it off. 704 00:55:48,320 --> 00:55:49,840 That's it. 705 00:55:51,720 --> 00:55:54,240 Kiddy time is over. 706 00:56:27,000 --> 00:56:31,560 In February 2022 Lukashenko dragged us into something terrible, 707 00:56:31,640 --> 00:56:35,080 something we never chose, just like we never chose him. 708 00:56:37,280 --> 00:56:41,960 Suddenly we turned from victims of the regime into co-aggressors. 709 00:56:47,400 --> 00:56:54,280 I am a participant in this operation that Russia is conducting in Ukraine. 710 00:56:54,360 --> 00:56:56,720 I genuinely support Russia. 711 00:56:56,800 --> 00:56:58,680 We have an alliance with Russia. 712 00:56:58,760 --> 00:56:59,920 That is why 713 00:57:00,000 --> 00:57:05,400 Russian forces entered Ukraine from Belarusian territory 714 00:57:05,480 --> 00:57:06,720 on their way to Kyiv. 715 00:57:13,480 --> 00:57:15,600 The war only added urgency 716 00:57:15,680 --> 00:57:18,720 and put more responsibility on Svetlana's shoulders. 717 00:57:19,760 --> 00:57:22,240 We made our stance clear. 718 00:57:22,320 --> 00:57:26,400 We are against the war and the dictators supporting it. 719 00:57:26,920 --> 00:57:28,520 And yet at every meeting 720 00:57:28,600 --> 00:57:35,000 I have to explain that Belarus is not Russia and Belarus is not Lukashenko. 721 00:57:35,080 --> 00:57:37,120 Belarus is not Russia, 722 00:57:37,200 --> 00:57:42,200 and there is no tolerance of the war in our society, 723 00:57:42,280 --> 00:57:44,880 despite of massive propaganda. 724 00:57:45,560 --> 00:57:49,320 We must stay united to support Ukraine. 725 00:57:49,400 --> 00:57:52,560 The majority of Belarusians doesn't support the war. 726 00:57:52,640 --> 00:57:56,280 It is important to distinguish Belarus from Russia, 727 00:57:56,360 --> 00:58:00,880 and Belarusians from the occupation regime of Lukashenko. 728 00:58:02,080 --> 00:58:07,040 -Do I have to explain this too? -Everything to everybody. 729 00:58:07,120 --> 00:58:09,800 No one understands it themselves. 730 00:58:18,120 --> 00:58:21,520 The war that Lukashenko dragged Belarus in 731 00:58:21,600 --> 00:58:24,840 cast a shadow on everything Svetlana had managed to do. 732 00:58:27,000 --> 00:58:30,640 I was afraid that Belarus would sink into Russia, 733 00:58:30,720 --> 00:58:32,880 like in the Bermuda Triangle. 734 00:58:34,640 --> 00:58:36,120 What is it? 735 00:58:37,480 --> 00:58:41,480 I don't understand. Some random sentences. 736 00:58:46,920 --> 00:58:49,360 What is this? Why are we so badly prepared? 737 00:58:49,440 --> 00:58:55,160 We won't say it now, we'll say it after. 738 00:58:55,240 --> 00:58:57,440 How am I supposed to memorise this? 739 00:58:57,520 --> 00:58:59,560 -This sentence? -No, the entire text. 740 00:59:00,760 --> 00:59:04,320 -When? -Tonight and tomorrow morning. 741 00:59:04,400 --> 00:59:08,960 Great. Forget about sleep, just study your text, Sveta. 742 00:59:20,720 --> 00:59:26,720 Masha says it would be nice to receive letters of support. Send your letters. 743 00:59:26,800 --> 00:59:29,600 And our call to action - turn on the flashlights? 744 00:59:29,680 --> 00:59:33,560 Call to action and flashlights are separate things, 745 00:59:33,640 --> 00:59:36,800 because flashlights are just action. 746 00:59:36,880 --> 00:59:38,640 Are they after call to action? 747 00:59:38,720 --> 00:59:41,480 Yes. Everyone leaves as you are waving the lights. 748 00:59:41,560 --> 00:59:43,920 I'm talking about scenography. 749 00:59:44,000 --> 00:59:48,480 Let's change the text so that it is based on your message. 750 00:59:49,560 --> 00:59:52,200 Let's write the text now. 751 00:59:52,280 --> 00:59:54,200 We have time now, let's not waste it. 752 00:59:54,280 --> 00:59:56,960 Let's edit the text because we have very little time. 753 00:59:57,040 --> 01:00:02,640 Svetlana, I can help you edit the speech. 754 01:00:02,720 --> 01:00:04,920 I'll send you a copy, send me your comments. 755 01:00:05,000 --> 01:00:06,000 Okay. 756 01:00:06,080 --> 01:00:08,560 I'll send it now and wait for your comments. 757 01:00:10,800 --> 01:00:14,840 When we started, we united in the anti-war movement. 758 01:00:14,920 --> 01:00:17,480 Fearless partisans conducted more than 80 acts 759 01:00:17,560 --> 01:00:20,600 of sabotage on the railroad in Belarus 760 01:00:20,680 --> 01:00:22,640 to prevent Russian troops supplies. 761 01:00:22,720 --> 01:00:26,880 Tens of thousands took to the streets to protest against the war in Ukraine. 762 01:00:26,960 --> 01:00:30,120 We developed into a conscious... 763 01:00:35,400 --> 01:00:37,480 modern nation 764 01:00:45,480 --> 01:00:46,960 with a 765 01:00:48,600 --> 01:00:51,680 with a strong sense 766 01:00:53,440 --> 01:00:55,120 of self-identity. 767 01:00:56,360 --> 01:00:59,600 I don't know if she's gonna say it. 768 01:01:28,720 --> 01:01:33,000 You know, I remember my first rally. 769 01:01:33,080 --> 01:01:35,480 My voice was breaking. 770 01:01:35,560 --> 01:01:38,560 I really was afraid to forget my name. 771 01:01:39,640 --> 01:01:42,440 Since then, I have changed a lot, 772 01:01:43,120 --> 01:01:45,080 but my voice still breaks 773 01:01:45,160 --> 01:01:48,880 when I'm speaking in front of huge crowds, though. 774 01:01:48,960 --> 01:01:51,200 Some things never change. 775 01:01:52,000 --> 01:01:58,360 This is how our rally started, but this rally is still going on. 776 01:01:59,080 --> 01:02:02,120 We rallied for freedom in Ukraine. 777 01:02:02,640 --> 01:02:08,760 Our country was used by the Kremlin to attack our neighbouring Ukraine. 778 01:02:09,640 --> 01:02:13,440 We are united into anti-war movement. 779 01:02:14,160 --> 01:02:19,360 Our fearless partisans sabotaged railways to stop Russian troops. 780 01:02:20,560 --> 01:02:25,200 Our activists fight alongside Ukrainians. 781 01:02:25,880 --> 01:02:28,280 You can make a difference too. 782 01:02:28,360 --> 01:02:33,280 So I invite you to join our rally for free Belarus. 783 01:02:33,840 --> 01:02:38,720 I ask you to turn on your lights and wave with us. 784 01:02:57,000 --> 01:02:59,640 Long live Belarus! 785 01:03:25,480 --> 01:03:27,400 How's... How's Dad? 786 01:03:29,520 --> 01:03:31,320 I see. 787 01:03:31,400 --> 01:03:33,480 What's on the news? 788 01:03:34,840 --> 01:03:36,800 What's the latest news? 789 01:03:36,880 --> 01:03:42,880 I don't want to talk about the news. I don't even want to watch the news. 790 01:03:42,960 --> 01:03:44,920 You don't want to discuss it with me? 791 01:03:46,000 --> 01:03:50,920 Not just with you. I don't want to talk about it. 792 01:03:52,280 --> 01:03:53,760 Why? 793 01:03:54,920 --> 01:03:58,440 Olya, stop it. 794 01:04:00,720 --> 01:04:02,200 I see. 795 01:04:03,480 --> 01:04:05,520 Ok. Same as usual. 796 01:04:07,240 --> 01:04:08,720 Okay. 797 01:04:09,840 --> 01:04:11,320 Okay, Mum. 798 01:04:12,760 --> 01:04:14,720 Thanks for calling. 799 01:04:16,720 --> 01:04:20,920 Take care of yourselves. I'll call you soon when I can. 800 01:04:21,000 --> 01:04:23,640 Okay sweetie, you take care of yourself too. 801 01:04:25,160 --> 01:04:27,240 -Okay. Bye. -Bye. 802 01:04:27,320 --> 01:04:31,120 -Big hug. Bye. -Big hug. Bye. 803 01:04:53,880 --> 01:04:56,360 Today another activist was detained. 804 01:04:56,440 --> 01:05:01,560 Allegedly, for her activities to release her husband from jail. 805 01:05:07,400 --> 01:05:10,320 In Belarus facilitation of extremist activities 806 01:05:10,400 --> 01:05:13,080 is punishable by up to seven years in prison. 807 01:05:13,160 --> 01:05:17,280 Maria Rukis was detained this morning and taken to Brest. 808 01:05:17,360 --> 01:05:21,320 Her four-year-old daughter is now with her grandparents. 809 01:05:25,640 --> 01:05:28,080 That's it, they won't let her out. 810 01:05:48,960 --> 01:05:50,680 I feel awful. 811 01:05:53,400 --> 01:05:54,520 It's fucking terrible. 812 01:05:54,600 --> 01:05:56,720 Even just because I am not there. 813 01:05:57,880 --> 01:06:00,000 Why, you want them to take you as well? 814 01:06:00,080 --> 01:06:02,280 -I don't see the point. -It's an instinct. 815 01:06:02,360 --> 01:06:06,160 I don't see the point... 816 01:06:07,760 --> 01:06:11,000 Masha knew that sooner or later it could happen. 817 01:06:11,080 --> 01:06:16,000 Given the fact that she is made of steel and... 818 01:06:16,080 --> 01:06:18,320 she didn't sit quietly at home... 819 01:06:18,400 --> 01:06:20,640 Sooner or later it was likely to happen. 820 01:06:21,880 --> 01:06:26,920 We are in a situation where they take anyone for any reason, 821 01:06:27,000 --> 01:06:28,360 so what are we hoping for? 822 01:06:28,440 --> 01:06:32,320 That they won't take Masha because she has a small child? 823 01:06:32,400 --> 01:06:33,920 They don't give a damn. 824 01:06:34,480 --> 01:06:37,240 They are putting couples on trial. 825 01:06:37,320 --> 01:06:42,400 They like to have a nice story to tell. 826 01:06:42,480 --> 01:06:44,480 Both husband and wife are evil, 827 01:06:44,560 --> 01:06:48,520 let their children be on their own, let them go to an orphanage. 828 01:06:48,600 --> 01:06:50,320 It's a good thing for them. 829 01:06:50,400 --> 01:06:57,360 They'll be raised properly there. They'll become obedient sheep. 830 01:07:10,480 --> 01:07:13,760 Why does the regime need this arrest? 831 01:07:13,840 --> 01:07:15,280 What do they want to show? 832 01:07:15,360 --> 01:07:20,320 I understand there is no logic here, but what are your first thoughts anyway? 833 01:07:21,480 --> 01:07:26,160 It's done to intimidate. What other reasons can the regime have for arrest? 834 01:07:26,840 --> 01:07:29,800 To intimidate. She is very active and bold. 835 01:07:29,880 --> 01:07:32,440 So they found an excuse. 836 01:07:35,000 --> 01:07:39,880 I hope she prepared the paperwork for her parents, just in case, 837 01:07:39,960 --> 01:07:43,920 so they can take her daughter out of the country, 838 01:07:44,000 --> 01:07:45,520 because it's all very.... 839 01:07:49,280 --> 01:07:55,360 I think she'll be more at peace knowing her child is safe, because I think 840 01:07:55,440 --> 01:07:59,360 it's what concerns her the most right now. 841 01:08:01,280 --> 01:08:04,000 It's... 842 01:08:05,400 --> 01:08:11,520 When a child is looking at a prospect of an orphanage it is so stressful. 843 01:08:12,760 --> 01:08:15,400 I think she's worried about her loved ones 844 01:08:15,480 --> 01:08:18,720 a lot more than she's worried about herself. No doubt about that. 845 01:08:21,080 --> 01:08:23,680 Welll... Yes. 846 01:08:29,800 --> 01:08:31,640 Nothing more to say, is there? 847 01:08:31,720 --> 01:08:38,680 Just a sense of powerlessness and deep darkness. 848 01:08:42,520 --> 01:08:45,480 Sveta, how do we find the strength to carry on? 849 01:08:46,560 --> 01:08:48,040 Do we have a choice? 850 01:08:54,480 --> 01:08:55,960 Well... 851 01:10:06,800 --> 01:10:08,120 My mother's words 852 01:10:08,200 --> 01:10:10,960 about not standing out and keeping quiet 853 01:10:11,040 --> 01:10:14,440 kept playing in my head like a broken record. 854 01:10:16,080 --> 01:10:19,840 Especially now that Masha was in prison. 855 01:10:20,400 --> 01:10:27,120 It made me think what real courage and real freedom really are. 856 01:10:47,160 --> 01:10:48,640 Let's write. 857 01:10:50,640 --> 01:10:54,640 Dear Masha... by the way, what is the temperature in your cell? 858 01:10:54,720 --> 01:10:56,280 Are you warm enough? 859 01:10:57,720 --> 01:10:59,280 She won't be able to say. 860 01:11:01,320 --> 01:11:04,760 How many people are there in your cell? 861 01:11:11,360 --> 01:11:16,040 Should I write that I miss her? Can I write that I am worried? 862 01:11:16,120 --> 01:11:19,560 I don't understand how you wrote your letters to Sasha. 863 01:11:21,240 --> 01:11:24,240 First one is difficult, it's hard to start, 864 01:11:24,320 --> 01:11:27,000 but your 115th will be easy-peasy. 865 01:11:27,080 --> 01:11:29,760 You just scribble some news. 866 01:11:30,840 --> 01:11:33,800 And a built-in censor in your head: you can't say this, 867 01:11:33,880 --> 01:11:36,640 you can't ask this, this isn't allowed. 868 01:11:42,600 --> 01:11:45,000 Hello, my... 869 01:11:45,080 --> 01:11:47,960 I'll say: I miss you and I constantly think about you. 870 01:11:48,040 --> 01:11:50,800 Nadia says hello and my cat Lucy too. 871 01:12:04,000 --> 01:12:06,000 Tell me what else you wrote to Sasha. 872 01:12:07,000 --> 01:12:08,640 -What else? -I was like you. 873 01:12:08,720 --> 01:12:11,120 Like me? Useless like I am now? 874 01:12:11,200 --> 01:12:14,120 I wrote about everyday things. 875 01:12:15,440 --> 01:12:19,680 You weren't useless like me. What did you write in your first letter? 876 01:12:19,760 --> 01:12:22,320 I had a billion questions right away. 877 01:12:24,040 --> 01:12:26,440 What lawyers to get, what to do, etc. 878 01:12:41,600 --> 01:12:44,080 You two, come to the table, okay? 879 01:12:45,200 --> 01:12:46,840 Come on. 880 01:12:46,920 --> 01:12:49,160 Am, mama, am. 881 01:12:52,400 --> 01:12:55,520 Adelka, I'm trying to write a letter, but I can't. 882 01:12:56,640 --> 01:12:58,040 To whom? 883 01:12:58,120 --> 01:13:03,000 It's a letter to my friend who is in prison. 884 01:13:03,080 --> 01:13:05,680 -Oh. -Yes. 885 01:13:06,720 --> 01:13:09,800 -What would you say to her? -I'd tell her to come out. 886 01:13:09,880 --> 01:13:13,000 So write: "Masha, come out." 887 01:13:13,080 --> 01:13:18,560 "Masha, come out" seems to be the most appropriate message. 888 01:13:18,640 --> 01:13:20,800 But she's being held there by force. 889 01:13:20,880 --> 01:13:23,040 She can't just say it and get out. 890 01:13:24,240 --> 01:13:26,840 Write that we want you to come out. 891 01:13:26,920 --> 01:13:32,880 It is very hard. Adel says: "Masha, come out." 892 01:13:36,400 --> 01:13:37,920 Are you finished? 893 01:13:38,440 --> 01:13:40,000 I want to! 894 01:13:42,560 --> 01:13:45,560 Cool. That's it. At least we have the first letter. 895 01:13:59,880 --> 01:14:05,840 I'll save you. 896 01:14:05,920 --> 01:14:10,720 -Long live Belarus! -Long live! 897 01:14:14,120 --> 01:14:17,920 Belarusian democratic forces demanded a plan from Svetlana, 898 01:14:18,520 --> 01:14:22,880 and she convened a big conference to bring everyone together. 899 01:14:30,560 --> 01:14:35,720 Two years ago the majority of Belarusians in the country and abroad 900 01:14:35,800 --> 01:14:40,080 ticked the box next to my name. 901 01:14:40,800 --> 01:14:44,000 I am aware that it was not about me, 902 01:14:44,080 --> 01:14:47,280 back then I was just an opportunity 903 01:14:47,360 --> 01:14:51,880 to say "no" to dictatorship and "yes" to change. 904 01:14:52,560 --> 01:14:57,640 The name Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya ceased to belong only to me. 905 01:14:57,720 --> 01:15:02,400 It has become a political instrument of an entire nation. 906 01:15:02,960 --> 01:15:08,960 That is why our task is to create a well-functioning community. 907 01:15:09,040 --> 01:15:14,080 The last two years have taught me that we can't wait for a miracle. 908 01:15:14,160 --> 01:15:19,560 If something needs to be done, we just have to go ahead and do it. 909 01:15:19,640 --> 01:15:23,840 And if you start to succeed, others will join you. 910 01:15:24,400 --> 01:15:28,320 As my husband Sergei Tsikhanousky would say: 911 01:15:28,400 --> 01:15:33,560 only together we can build a country to live in. 912 01:15:33,640 --> 01:15:35,480 Thank you very much. 913 01:15:52,840 --> 01:15:56,960 One system can only be defeated by another system. 914 01:15:57,040 --> 01:16:00,320 I am convinced that the only way to overcome the existing system 915 01:16:00,400 --> 01:16:04,760 is to unite the democratic and nationally-oriented forces. 916 01:16:05,680 --> 01:16:09,720 And here we come to the question that I address to Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya. 917 01:16:10,400 --> 01:16:13,480 The only person in this room who was legitimately elected. 918 01:16:16,040 --> 01:16:19,720 Are you prepared to be that person? 919 01:16:19,800 --> 01:16:22,000 The one who makes tough decisions 920 01:16:22,080 --> 01:16:25,040 and takes responsibility for the fate of the nation. 921 01:16:25,120 --> 01:16:29,080 It's time to act decisively. It's time to rise up from our knees. 922 01:16:29,160 --> 01:16:32,440 And finally: long live Belarus! 923 01:16:39,320 --> 01:16:43,720 What do you think? Any announcements? 924 01:16:43,800 --> 01:16:46,240 It was a cynical spectacle where we witnessed 925 01:16:46,320 --> 01:16:50,600 how five men tried to shift responsibility 926 01:16:50,680 --> 01:16:52,760 for all the decisions onto one woman. 927 01:16:52,840 --> 01:16:55,400 That's because we had a Women's Revolution. 928 01:16:55,920 --> 01:16:59,240 I hope this is not about shifting responsibility, 929 01:16:59,320 --> 01:17:00,880 but about strengthening me. 930 01:17:00,960 --> 01:17:05,600 I hope this is what our colleagues are trying to achieve. 931 01:17:05,680 --> 01:17:07,400 We shall see. 932 01:17:08,640 --> 01:17:12,240 This conference felt like a rehearsal for our democracy. 933 01:17:14,120 --> 01:17:15,440 Sometime in the future, 934 01:17:15,520 --> 01:17:19,120 we will be able to debate openly like this in free Belarus. 935 01:17:21,200 --> 01:17:24,760 And it doesn't matter how long our fight takes. 936 01:17:24,840 --> 01:17:26,360 We will not give up. 937 01:17:27,720 --> 01:17:33,000 Svetlana, if you need help getting rid of imposter syndrome, as we call it, 938 01:17:33,080 --> 01:17:35,560 we are always ready to help. 939 01:17:35,640 --> 01:17:39,000 You are really cool, you are doing a cool job, as is your team. 940 01:17:39,080 --> 01:17:43,520 When speaking about the qualities of others, of the political prisoners, 941 01:17:43,600 --> 01:17:48,560 do not forget to acknowledge and emphasize your own qualities. 942 01:17:48,640 --> 01:17:51,080 Many people voted for you as a brand. 943 01:17:51,160 --> 01:17:52,840 Thank you. 944 01:17:55,720 --> 01:17:57,440 Thank you. 945 01:17:57,520 --> 01:18:01,720 Thank you to everyone who has been with us these two days. 946 01:18:02,360 --> 01:18:06,760 Thank you to everyone who has been with us for two years. 947 01:18:07,480 --> 01:18:10,640 Thank you to those who have been in the Belarusian movement 948 01:18:10,720 --> 01:18:12,800 for years and decades. 949 01:18:13,400 --> 01:18:18,480 Based on yesterday's discussions and public opinion 950 01:18:18,560 --> 01:18:24,160 I have decided to create a joint transitional cabinet. 951 01:18:24,840 --> 01:18:29,320 I'm excited to announce the first people who are ready to work 952 01:18:29,400 --> 01:18:33,240 and strengthen the Cabinet. I'd like to invite them to the stage. 953 01:18:38,080 --> 01:18:44,000 I agree with today's comments and criticisms made in the past few days. 954 01:18:44,080 --> 01:18:49,600 Both the Cabinet and our movement in general need more female voices. 955 01:18:49,680 --> 01:18:54,240 Dear women of Belarus, I'm counting on your initiative. 956 01:18:54,320 --> 01:18:58,400 Thanks to women change has become possible. 957 01:19:07,640 --> 01:19:09,160 We are with you. 958 01:19:09,680 --> 01:19:11,280 We are with you. 959 01:19:35,320 --> 01:19:39,080 Today Svetlana's choice to become a politician and defeat a dictator 960 01:19:39,160 --> 01:19:40,920 is an exception. 961 01:19:44,240 --> 01:19:45,240 But I hope 962 01:19:45,320 --> 01:19:49,080 that in the future there will be more women politicians in Belarus. 963 01:19:54,080 --> 01:19:55,920 Svetlana, Nadezhda and Masha 964 01:19:56,000 --> 01:19:59,640 taught me to believe that together we have strength. 965 01:20:15,040 --> 01:20:18,040 Sasha, I can't believe you're free. 966 01:20:18,120 --> 01:20:20,520 What's your weather like? Is it very cold? 967 01:20:20,600 --> 01:20:24,200 It's the same weather here, around minus five. 968 01:20:24,280 --> 01:20:28,600 It's so good to talk about nonsense. You can't even imagine. 969 01:20:28,680 --> 01:20:35,680 I've spend all morning talking about terms and grounds for release. 970 01:20:36,520 --> 01:20:40,400 207's and 205's are being released. These are thieves. 971 01:20:40,480 --> 01:20:41,480 Thieves. 972 01:20:41,560 --> 01:20:46,680 It's a new trend. Thieves get two or three months and go home, 973 01:20:46,760 --> 01:20:51,640 meanwhile the intellectuals go to prison for eight or ten years. 974 01:20:52,640 --> 01:20:57,800 Everyone seems to be shocked, but the thieves are happy of course. 975 01:20:57,880 --> 01:21:00,120 Okay, go chill for now. 976 01:21:00,200 --> 01:21:01,800 I hope everything is there. 977 01:21:03,280 --> 01:21:05,000 How are you? 978 01:21:06,480 --> 01:21:08,240 Well... 979 01:21:08,320 --> 01:21:13,080 Let me figure out what is going on here. 980 01:21:13,840 --> 01:21:18,280 Nadia, does this mean he can be here in ten days? 981 01:21:18,360 --> 01:21:23,040 Or does he need to return to jail in ten days, for more time? 982 01:21:23,760 --> 01:21:28,920 Or he has ten days of travel ban, and then he can go anywhere, or what? 983 01:21:29,000 --> 01:21:30,200 Yes. 984 01:21:30,280 --> 01:21:34,200 That's what we think at the moment. But no one knows for sure. 985 01:21:35,120 --> 01:21:39,160 How is it possible that the court passed a verdict and no one knows it yet? 986 01:21:39,800 --> 01:21:46,240 Everyone heard "three years in prison" and there was shock. 987 01:21:46,320 --> 01:21:49,360 Then they heard "released" and stopped listening after that. 988 01:21:49,440 --> 01:21:52,320 So no one heard what exactly was said. 989 01:21:56,480 --> 01:22:00,480 Nadia, I'm so happy for you! You must be so relieved. 990 01:22:00,560 --> 01:22:02,280 Are you relieved? 991 01:22:02,360 --> 01:22:03,400 Not yet. 992 01:22:03,480 --> 01:22:06,400 -Why? -I will be, once he's here. 993 01:22:13,920 --> 01:22:15,400 I can't hear anything. 994 01:22:15,480 --> 01:22:19,560 I'll call you back in two minutes when Adelka comes out, okay? 995 01:22:20,480 --> 01:22:21,480 Okay. 996 01:22:21,560 --> 01:22:23,080 Bye. 997 01:22:28,000 --> 01:22:29,480 Where is my daughter? 998 01:22:32,600 --> 01:22:34,240 Daughter, come out. 999 01:22:48,320 --> 01:22:49,800 Daddy is free. 1000 01:22:54,800 --> 01:22:56,800 Adel, hi! 1001 01:23:08,080 --> 01:23:13,040 We'll go home, we can hardly hear you. I'll call you from home, okay? 1002 01:23:20,680 --> 01:23:23,360 -Tanya, hello! -Hello. 1003 01:23:24,280 --> 01:23:26,840 Seryozha is also here with us. 1004 01:23:26,920 --> 01:23:28,080 Is he home? 1005 01:23:28,160 --> 01:23:30,880 -I mean, at our home? -Sasha is home. 1006 01:23:30,960 --> 01:23:33,720 At his home. What do you want? 1007 01:23:33,800 --> 01:23:37,280 Daddy, don't leave the house, don't go anywhere. 1008 01:23:39,000 --> 01:23:41,600 -I don't see it. -I mustn't leave? 1009 01:23:41,680 --> 01:23:45,400 No. Don't go to any Belarusian things. 1010 01:23:47,000 --> 01:23:49,080 You can only go to work. 1011 01:23:49,160 --> 01:23:51,080 Not even to work. 1012 01:23:51,920 --> 01:23:56,120 -Stay at home. -My little girl is very smart. 1013 01:23:56,200 --> 01:24:00,000 I'll go to work on Monday. 1014 01:24:00,080 --> 01:24:03,440 I'll have something to eat now, then go to the detention centre 1015 01:24:04,240 --> 01:24:09,680 to hand out parcels to my cellmates. They will be happy to get my things. 1016 01:24:09,760 --> 01:24:14,360 Please call me back, I can't hear anything. 1017 01:24:15,760 --> 01:24:17,840 Seryozha, why are you crying? 1018 01:24:17,920 --> 01:24:19,640 Such a relief... 1019 01:24:20,480 --> 01:24:26,400 Seryozha, why do people sometimes cry from joy? 1020 01:24:26,480 --> 01:24:28,560 -How can it be? -How can it be? 1021 01:24:28,640 --> 01:24:30,880 You probably can't understand. 1022 01:24:30,960 --> 01:24:34,400 Sometimes it feels so good you just want to cry. 1023 01:24:46,200 --> 01:24:52,000 In the 2025 elections Lukashenko reported that he won with almost 87%. 1024 01:24:53,680 --> 01:24:56,600 This time no one took to the streets to protest, 1025 01:24:56,680 --> 01:25:03,000 like in 2020, and my country disappeared from the international press. 1026 01:25:05,120 --> 01:25:08,080 After two years in prison Masha was finally released, 1027 01:25:09,000 --> 01:25:13,520 but she cut off contact with me and the opposition in general. 1028 01:25:16,040 --> 01:25:18,280 I don't blame her. 1029 01:25:18,360 --> 01:25:21,560 Perhaps the years in prison broke her will to fight, 1030 01:25:22,080 --> 01:25:26,160 but I hope to see her again someday. 1031 01:25:31,680 --> 01:25:36,000 Mummy, now I understand where your fears come from, 1032 01:25:36,880 --> 01:25:40,920 but the way you taught me to survive and protect myself 1033 01:25:41,000 --> 01:25:43,520 doesn't work for me anymore. 1034 01:25:43,600 --> 01:25:46,080 We're all made for politics, 1035 01:25:46,680 --> 01:25:51,280 and I choose to hope that one day we'll win. 1036 01:25:52,080 --> 01:25:55,840 It's the only way I can imagine the future with my son. 1037 01:27:00,440 --> 01:27:03,440 Subtitles: Irina Parsons plint.com