Over €17,000 collected in fundraiser for convicted Symbal.by founder’s family

May 12, BPN. In just 12 hours, the fundraiser to support the family of Pavieł Biełavus, the founder and owner of Symbal.by online store selling Belarusian-themed goods, collected over €17,000.

On May 11, the Minsk City Court sentenced him to 13 years in prison and a fine of 18,500 rubels (some $7,300) on charges of high treason, organizing protests, seeking to undermine national security and leading an extremist group.

All property in Biełavus’ home may be seized. Authorities have already confiscated cars and some household appliances, said Hodna.by, a public campaign promoting Belarusian national identity and running the fundraiser.

Alina Hieraščanka of Hodna.by believes that Biełavus’ ideas and fervor inspired the whole generation to become Belarusian patriots, including the officials.

The success of the fundraiser means that people see the absurdity of high treason charges against Biełavus, she added.

Authorities accused the Symbal.by owner of disseminating “the ideas of Belarusian nationalism” but his nationalism was about civic solidarity and responsible work for the well-being of all Belarusians, Hieraščanka said noting that Biełavus’ case “is a common Belarusian cause.”