Klimov’s wife: Andrei is busy with a daily survival
Tatsiana Leanovich: I met my husband right after the court hearing which reviewed the appeal filed by the defense and Andrei. I came to tell him bad news. Sadly, this is how we met.
This is Andrei’s third imprisonment. How did your family’s life change every time?
I don’t really remember the previous times, but I think this time is the hardest.
Did they explain you why this hearing just like the previous ones was held behind the closed doors?
The Minsk City Court referred to the decision of the district court to hear the case behind the closed doors. The first court’s judge made this ruling, referring to Article 23 which cites the state secret grounds…
Did Andrei expect this verdict?
I think every person always hopes for the best. But when a hope is not based on realistic expectations, this is not a hope any longer. It is a dream.
Do you know where Andrei is going to be transferred to?
Unfortunately, I am not aware of that.
What about the upcoming amnesty?
I know about this from the media. The draft amnesty law is being reviewed by a special commission in the House of Representatives. But it is hard to say now what will be in this act.
What did Andrei tell you?
Frankly speaking, we discussed practical issues like how to prepare him the best for prison. For example, he has no winter clothes and shoes. I need to provide him with that.
What is Andrei’s mood?
In fact, Andrei has been busy with a daily survival.
How do the kids feel in this situation?
Very bad. It was a huge shock to our family. Nobody has managed to recover yet. The oldest son is now 18; the youngest daughter has turned 12.
Are your children treated well in school?
The children are not harassed. People understand. After all, this is not 1937…
Are you employed?
I was busy with Andrei’s case. After he is transferred to a colony, I will seek a law-related employment.
Do your friends or business colleagues maintain ties with you?
People are actually used to the fact that Andrei is a fighter and can be prosecuted at any moment. They do support me. Otherwise, I would be totally depressed.
ERB’s File
On October 2, the Minsk Municipal Court rejected an appeal in the case of opposition politician Andrei Klimov. On August 1, Minsk’s Central District Court sentenced him to two years in a high-security prison for making public calls to overthrow the government or to change the constitutional order violently using the media.
The charges were based on a publication that Klimov posted on the web site of the United Civil Party and that criticized the regime of Alexander Lukashenka.
Photo: www.ucpb.org
