From Belarusian Prison to a Quiet Life with Cats in Poland

Galina Derbysh, a former political prisoner, has started a new life in Białystok after her release from a Belarusian penal colony. At 22, she nearly lost her life in a motorcycle crash, leaving her with lasting disabilities. Now free, she focuses on helping others and preparing to adopt a shelter cat.

Derbysh's troubles began years ago when she was sentenced to 20 years in the Autukhovich case, a politically charged prosecution. Her time in prison was brutal: a loose dental bridge led to a severe infection, and she later battled sarcoma, though treatment helped her recover. Negotiations between Minsk and Washington eventually secured her release, allowing her to leave Belarus with little more than a suitcase.

Now settled in Białystok, she volunteers with the Dialogue Foundation, a Polish NGO. There, she cooks meals for the homeless and sews pet beds, finding purpose in small acts of kindness. Her past experiences—both in prison and her near-fatal accident—have left her wary of people. Instead, she prefers the quiet company of cats, and soon, a rescued cat will share her apartment.

Belarus's political climate has worsened since her release. Protests in 2020 were violently crushed, leading to ongoing repression and deeper ties with Russia. While some prisoners, like Maria Kolesnikova, have been freed in 2025, many remain detained. EU sanctions and isolation continue to shape the country's future.

Derbysh's journey from prison to a quiet life in Poland reflects both resilience and the lingering scars of her past. She now dedicates her time to cats and those in need, far from the political turmoil that once defined her existence. Her story remains tied to Belarus's broader struggles, where repression and limited reforms still dominate.