Ales Bialiatski: “So far, I see it all as something unreal”

“I have been examined by a doctor. I have no complaints. So far, I see it all as something unreal”, says Ales Bialiatski in his first letter received by his wife after he was arrested on 4 August.

“Life goes on and I am beginning to get used to the simple rules of prison life. We get up early – at 6, and go to bed early, too – at 22.00. Strangely enough, the body is quickly adapting to the forgotten army schedule. Everything is done slowly here, but very precisely and “with taste”. A walk “with taste”, a sauna “with taste”…

With this wave of heat, it was a bit stuffy, but then it started to rain and the air was fresh and clean during a walk. It is good the days are long and light, for I always feel good when it is light…”