On the 16th of September in a twin-city of Minsk, Eindhoven, an action took place commemorated to the 10th anniversary of the involuntary disappearances of Viktor Gonchar and Anatoly Krasovsky. The action consisted of ceremonial commemoration of the disappeared Belarusians, demonstration of a documentary, discussion and presentation of an art-project.

On the 16th of September 2008 in the center of Eindhoven, near Anna Frank Platsoen, four trees were planted in the memory of the involuntary disappeared Yuri Zakharenko, Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky and Dmitry Zavadsky. Among speakers who dedicated their word to the disappeared were: Mary Fiers (Eindhoven municipality), Olga Stuzhinskaya (Office for Democratic Belarus, Brussels, Belgium), Franny Parren (TIE Nederland), Christie Miedema (Amnesty International), Valeriya Krasovskaya (We Remember).

The speech of Anatoly Krasovsky's daughter Valeriya was very touching. «10 years have passed since the day of the disappearance of my Father, Anatoly Krasovsky. These were very hard years for me and my family, — she said. — Ten years of uncertainty and despair. Ten years on heartbreaking grief. No words are capable to describe the state of mind and soul of those who lost their loved ones disappeared. No words are capable to describe the state of mind and soul of those who lost their loved ones disappeared.»

«In the years 1999-2000 four prominent persons in Belarus -- ex-minister of Internal Affairs Yuri Zakharenko, Wise-Speaker of the Supreme Council Viktor Gonchar, businessman and  famous public figure Anatoly Krasovsky and journalist Dmitry Zavadsky —  were subjected to involuntary disappearance.  Their fate remains unknown. There are evidences, though, that high-ranked officials including the head of the state, are suspected to be involved in the abduction and possible murder of the four people.  And this situation, crossing the edge of absurd, when the criminals are known but remain beyond the grasp of justice, only strengthens the despair of the family members of the disappeared.»

«The name of our foundation, which unites relatives of the involuntary disappeared people in Belarus, is WE REMEMBER. Memory is the only substance we are left with. Memory is something that no one can deprive us of.  Memory is something that helps me personally to establish the spiritual connection with my disappeared father. Memory, full of happy things of the past, is something that keeps me alive.»

«A year ago, when these gracious trees commemorated to the disappeared Belarusians, were planted, for the first time on the 16th of September, which had always been a black date for me, I experienced light feelings. These trees have a very symbolic significance for me. First, they symbolize the eternal life of the spirit of my father and the others. Second, these trees are the place for me to return. I don't know where the grave of my father is. This square in Eindhoven is something that replaces this notion for me.»

Dutch poets Leo Mesman and Arnaud Richter read poems which they had dedicated to the involuntary disappeared Yuri Zakharenko, Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky and journalist Dmitry Zavadsky. Band «Loopend Vuurtje» accomplished some songs.

After the ceremony participants of the event were invited to attend presentation of travelling theatre project Show your Hope of Martin Voorbij in which some Belarusian artists in immigration are involved. After the presentation demonstration of documentary A Lesson of Belarusian (Miroslav Dembinski, Poland, 2006) took place. The event was closed by a lively discussion forum about Belarus in which Olga Stuzhinskaya, Franny Parren, Christie Miedema and Valeriya Krasovskaya participated.

CIWR.ORG

On the pictures (top to bottom): Mary Fiers; Christie Miedema; Valeriya Krasovskaya; travelling theatre Show your Hope