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Modern Belarus (well, it was in 2006 - 2008.) Me and some of my friends and their friends get together to organize some opposition performances or participation
by hippich 13y ago
Modern Belarus (well, it was in 2006 - 2008.) Me and some of my friends and their friends get together to organize some opposition performances or participation in national opposition events. As well as distributing printed gazette. No any kind of extremism or terrorism or whatever "-ism". I was probably the oldest one back then, around 22 yrs, the rest guys and gals were 18-20 yrs. All are students either at community college or getting their bachelors.
I was stopped randomly in car traffic because my car was "reported stolen" just to get every single piece of the car out trying to find "illegal" printed materials. One of these guys in our team also snitched for local police (so they recruited someone, i still don't know whom.) They tapped my cell phone and were able to meet us at place which was mentioned over one single cellphone talk...
My very small business suddenly became in focus of various state agencies, like IRS, fire department, etc. Each was able to find something to fine me for. I closed it.
It got to the point where my mom had "interview" with KGB where they openly told, that if she can't influence my behavior, probably I will never get my masters degree, my sister will never get into college, my mom will likely loose her job.
At some point I was "invited" to talk with local police chef about my "disturbances". At that time I already worked out a way to get out from Belarus for good and told about it to this police guy. He was very satisfied with this response from what I could see...
This was happening 6 years ago and from what I hear, still does. At least they did not prison and torture me, although it is probably more because I never cause too much trouble for them and was dismissed as not very important person to deal with.
- karuneshkaushal 13y agoAre your family fine and with you? Do you get to meet/call/email these friends now?
- hippich 13y agoOnce I moved out - everything is back to normal for my rest of family. They sometimes call my family to check if I am back, but getting "no" answer each time. Yeah, with some of these friends I keep in touch. So it played out well for me and my family. But definitely not for the people of Belarus.
- Fuxy 13y agoSomething similar but a little toned down still happens in Romania too. For instance if you ruffle the wrong feathers your business may get "surprise inspections" from every government agency known to man. And guess what they will always find a reason to fine your.