Vitsebsk veteran of the national movement upheld a 20-year tradition this year as well
78-year-old Barys Khamayda, on the eve of Dzyady (Forefathers' Day), continued a tradition he has maintained for 20 years. He visited the site of Stalinist executions near the village of Paliayi, close to Vitsebsk, as well as the graves of his associates and like-minded people who have passed away, writes "Vitsebskaya Vesna".
The tradition began in 2006 after the death of Khamayda's close friend Uladzimir Pleshchanka. He headed the Vitsebsk organization of the Conservative Christian Party – Belarusian Popular Front (KKhP BNF) and was one of the first political prisoners in Belarus. He spent several months in a pre-trial detention center: the investigation tried to prove that the opposition activist had stolen a bust of Suvorov. Pleshchanka is buried in the cemetery in the village of Drukava, Vitsebsk district. From here, Khamayda annually begins his memorial route.
Over time, as other associates of the activist passed away, the route grew longer. Khamayda also visits the cemetery near the village of Koptsi, where local party figures Siarhei Tsierantsieu, Raman Salauyan, Ales Mudrychanka, Alena Zaleskaya, journalist Uladzimir Zhyhulou, and public figure Iosif Naumchyk are buried. The latter headed the regional council of the Society of Belarusian Language for many years and died last February.
Over two decades, the memorial events have taken place in various formats: sometimes Khamayda traveled alone or with a few friends, and sometimes it was necessary to order a bus for all those wishing to visit the graves of Vitsebsk opposition activists. Once, such a bus was stopped on the way, and more than 30 people were detained and taken to the police. They were accused of holding an unauthorized event.
The final stop traditionally becomes the site of executions of victims of Stalinist terror near the village of Paliayi, approximately seven kilometers from Vitsebsk. A large cross is installed there in memory of the victims of the totalitarian regime.
As Barys Khamayda reported on Facebook, this year the participants lit a vigil lamp near the cross and prayed for Belarus and the Belarusian people.
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