‘Participating in protests’: One more criminal case opened against founder of kids’ hospice in Hrodna
Another criminal case has been launched against Volha Vyalichka, the former head of a Hrodna-based children’s hospice, the press service of the Belarusian Interior Ministry reports.
Ms Vyalichka is accused of taking part in a protest march. According to the authorities’ version, she was ‘stepping out onto the road, blocking the traffic, standing in a human chain, disobeying the lawful demands of the police.’
A few days ago, the woman said on Facebook that her name was put her on the Interpol wanted list at the request of Belarusian security officers.
Volha Vyalichka is the founder of the St. Hubert Children’s Hospice in Hrodna. She opened the palliative care institution in 2007 by her own efforts and without state support. Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in Belarus, the activist launched a workshop as part of which volunteers sewed protective suits for health workers.
In December, a criminal case was initiated against Volha Vyalichka; she is suspected of ‘improperly using the funds obtained from sponsors’. If found guilty under this article, she may face up to ten years in prison.
It should be noted that Vyalichka was an independent election observer and a member of the local initialive group of might-have-been presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka (he has been in custody since June 2020). In the wake of the rigged elections in August, Volha and her associates tried to establish People’s Trust Council in Hrodna. The woman was also fined and arrested for ‘violating the rules of holding mass events’, i.e. participating in post-election peaceful protests.
Soon after serving a short jail term in October, Volha Vyalichka left Belarus together with her family. She says she immediately took the decision after getting information that the authorities were going to take away her two children.
