"I bear a resemblance to a traditional farming figure used to frighten birds."
Profile of Exiled Belarusian Writer Alhierd Bacharevich: A Life in Exile and His Journey Through a Dictatorship
In a quiet café nestled in Berlin-Charlottenburg, Alhierd Bacharevich, a renowned Belarusian writer, reflects on his life, work, and the current state of his homeland. Born in 1975 in the capital city of Minsk, Bacharevich grew up in a Russian-speaking family during a time when Belarus was still a republic of the USSR.
Bacharevich witnessed the collapse of the USSR and Belarus's subsequent independence in August 1991. He pursued studies, worked as a teacher, and dabbled in journalism. He also founded the first punk band in the country, which he humbly acknowledges with a wistful smile, admitting his lack of musical prowess.
However, the country soon transformed into a post-Soviet dictatorship under the leadership of Aleksandr Lukashenko, who took office in 1994. Lukashenko, a former political officer, has maintained his rule for over three decades, securing his seventh term in 2025 with an official vote of 87.6%. His presidency has been marked by authoritarian politics, widespread human rights abuses, and a strained relationship with the West.
Lukashenko's regime has been criticized for suppressing opposition, curbing media freedom, and manipulating elections. Notably, the 2006 presidential elections saw organized opposition unite under the United Democratic Forces, only to fail in their attempts due to alleged intimidation, media manipulation, and detention of opposition members.
In such an environment, figures like Bacharevich, who now resides in exile, represent the intellectual and cultural opposition that has no choice but to exist outside Belarusian borders. Despite the challenges, Bacharevich remains grateful for the opportunity to connect with readers from afar, appreciating the privilege of being read by so many.
Readers eager to access texts from the current issue can purchase a magazine from Hinz&Kunzt vendors, who play a vital role in the project and can be found on the streets of Hamburg. For those residing outside Germany, a print subscription is available.
As Bacharevich prepares for several literature festivals and readings in Lithuania, he declines to dwell on the hardships of exile. Instead, he focuses on the words that fuel his writing and the stories that give meaning to his life.
Bacharevich's exile allows him to connect with readers from afar, finding solace in the privilege of being read by many. His literary journey continues as he prepares for several literature festivals and readings in Lithuania. Despite the political turmoil in Belarus, Bacharevich's focus remains on education-and-self-development and entertainment through his books.
