The involuntary disappeared Belarussians are commemorated in Eindhoven

On September 16 2015, which marked the 16th anniversary of the involuntary disappearance of Viktor Gonchar and Anatoly Krasovsky, the city of Eindhoven, Netherlands, commemorated the two men, as well as disappeared Yuri Zakharenko and Dmitry Zavadsky. It was the 8th annual commemoration ceremony in Eindhoven dedicated to the four Belarusians. The ceremony traditionally took place at the site of the living memorial — the four trees — dedicated to Yuri Zakharenko, Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky and Dmitry Zavadsky.

The honour of the opening speech was given to the daughter of Anatoly Krasovsky, Valeriya. She was talking about the ever-lasting pain and uncertainty of the families of the disappeared. She also talked about the activity of We Remember. We Remember was found in 2002 by Irina Krasovskaya, wife of Anatoly Krasovsky. Together with similar organizations all around the world We Remember contributed to the recognition of involuntary disappearance as a crime against humanity. Solidarity work brought truth and justice for many people around the Globe. Not yet in Belarus.

Mary-Ann Schreurs (Municipality Eindhoven), Christie Midema (Amnesty International), Wim Dekkers (FNV Bondgenoten) and Harry Hummel (Netherlands Helsinki Committee) also prepared their speeches for the event. They covered the current situation with the human rights violations in Belarus.

Poet Leo Mesman traditionally read his poem "Four trees" which he dedicated to Yuri Zakharenko, Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky and Dmitry Zavadsky in 2008. This beautiful poem is engraved on the board at the site of the memorial of trees, symbolizing the missing Belarusians. Leo Mesman also read another poem of his, "Country of My Dreams," which he wrote specifically for the ceremony of 2015 and dedicated to Valeriya Krasovskaya.

The event was attended by teachers from local schools, who read touching poems by their students. Poems were dedicated to the families of the involuntary disappeared Belarusians.

At the end of the event, the participants decorated the four trees with origami birds.

After the official part of the ceremony, the participants moved to the cinema Hub, which hosted the Dutch premiere of the documentary The Gang.