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Timofey DranchukLeader of the unregistered Belarusian Committee for the Protection of Prisoners' Rights "Above the Barrier"
Date of Birth: 01.01.1981
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Activism and Opposition Involvement
- Arrest and Imprisonment
- Post-Release Activities
- Recent Years
Early Life and Education
Timofey Dranchuk was born on August 5, 1981, in Zaslavl, Belarus. He attended the Belarusian Humanitarian Lyceum from 1996-1997 and externed from secondary school No. 33 in 1998. In 1999, he enrolled in the Faculty of Journalism at Belarusian State University but was expelled in 2001 due to political activism.
Political Activism and Opposition Involvement
Dranchuk's involvement in politics began in 1996, when he participated in the newspaper "Belavezhskaya Pushcha." He served as press secretary for the city trade union of entrepreneurs "Sadruzhnast" and actively participated in the youth organization "Malady Front." In 1999, he was involved in the opposition alternative presidential elections, working as a press secretary for Mikhail Chigir.
Between 2000 and 2004, Dranchuk held leadership positions in the youth organizations "Maladzyozhnaya Solidarnast" and "ZUBR." He became a key figure in the movement led by Andrei Klimov and played a role in the "Revolution!" rally on March 25, 2005.
Arrest and Imprisonment
On February 21, 2006, Dranchuk was arrested and charged under Article 193 part 2 of the Criminal Code of Belarus, along with Enira Bronitskaya, Nikolai Astreyko, and Alexander Shalai. He was declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International and released on conditional parole on December 26, 2006.
Post-Release Activities
Upon his release, Dranchuk co-founded the Belarusian Committee for the Protection of Imprisoned Rights "Over the Barrier" (BKZPZ "Nad Barieier") in 2007. In 2008, he helped establish the youth movement "Maladaya Belarus."
Recent Years
Since 2015, Dranchuk has pursued running as a personal interest. He has completed several half-marathons and is training for a full marathon.
