Repressions in Belarus continue
An interview with Veranika Stankevich, coordinator of Volnyja, an organization that works with former Belarusian political prisoners. Interviewer Emily Macrae
April 21, 2026 -
Emily Macrae
Veranika Stankevich
- 
Hot TopicsIssue 3 2026Magazine
Photo courtesy of Veranika Stankevich
EMILY MACRAE: Do former political prisoners ever become volunteers?
VERANIKA STANKEVICH: Now, yes, we see this trend. But when we started, we had rules that former political prisoners could not mentor others. We were afraid of the trauma and that if one former political prisoner speaks with another it can be re-traumatizing. But now we can have an interview with the psychologist and they can say if it would be okay if this former political prisoner can help another former political prisoner. But it’s not very often. From time to time, former political prisoners volunteer with our organization, not as a mentor, but to help with something.
This article is for members only
Join the New Eastern Europe community to unlock this article — plus enjoy full access to premium content, our digital archive, newsletter insights, and podcast updates.
BECOME A MEMBER!
Already a member? Sign in to read the full article.
belarus, human rights, political prisoners
