"Time to open up, otherwise you'll die without a fight." Seviarynets recounted his first days in Akrestsina

"June 2020, Akrestsina. Minsk Temporary Detention Center

I was brought in on Sunday evening after a rally at Kamarouka. At first, everything was as we like it: search, cell, convoy, administrative court for an unauthorized event, 15 days, then Akrestsina again.

But for some reason, I wasn't brought back to the distribution center where "daily detainees" are held, but to the Temporary Detention Center, for criminals.

And they immediately led me into a punishment cell – a semi-basement stone sack 2 by 3 meters with a folding bunk. At the entrance, they took my jacket and everything I had in my emergency bag, including my toothbrush.

— We'll give everything back, — said the officer who brought me in. — Later.

I know your "later," I thought. It's not starting well.

In summer, a punishment cell like this is so-so. It's stuffy during the day, cold at night, just bare boards. Most people start to lose their minds after a while because you constantly suffer and there's nothing to do, you just walk two steps there, two steps back, there's no other way. But I pray to God, think about future books, intend to hold out until the "elections" – it's fine.

The first night was full of fire. Some woman in the cell opposite was screaming, seemingly in Romani, hitting the door with her fists and feet, demanding to smoke and be released. Until morning. I couldn't sleep. In the neighboring cell, also a punishment cell, I hear them bringing in Volia Mikalaichyk – she also spoke at the rally.

And in the morning, they cut off the water. Both to me and Volia.

— Why is there no water?

— Repairs.

There were no repairs, of course. There's just a special tap near each cell in the Temporary Detention Center, they shut it off and that was it. Now, no drinking, no washing hands, no flushing the "hole". Dry as a desert.

Yes, I thought. I'm in trouble. Two months until the "elections", I might not make it without water. In the morning and evening, they give half a cup of "tea" with the ration, and that's it. I don't feel like eating with this setup. Well, this is pretty shitty.

— Give me water!

Silence.

Day. Two. Three. Four. It's hard, especially at night. Thirst. My head starts to ache. The same, I hear, with Volia.

Damn them, I thought. It's time to open up, otherwise you'll die without a fight.

With what? We'll find something.

But more on that — next time."

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