Headstone for Mikhail Zhyzneuski installed in Homel region

Activists spent own funds to make, transport and install a gravestone for Mikhail Zhyzneuski.

“It's people's monument! It was made by people. We received money from businessmen, workers and pensioners from Belarus, the US, Australia and other countries. People sometimes gave their last money. Mikhail's parents gave the sum that we lacked. The gravestone is the sum of contributions from many people. The aid wasn't only financial. Aleh Shabentnik from Rechytsa lent us a big trailer to carry the headstone to Homel. Mikalai Isachenka from Homel helped us with transportation,” Volha Nikalaichyk, the coordinator of fund-raising campaign in Minsk, told Belsat.

The author of the monument, Aliaksandr Shaternik, says it resembles an open book, the book of Mikhail's life.

“Aurora stone that was used for one half of the gravestone and the memorial plaque was born and gained its force deep under the ground, in the fiery lava under huge pressure. This colour – black and red fire – symbolises Mikhail and Maidan. Fight amid fire and smoke gave birth to Freedom, for which Mikhail died. Mikhail died physically, but he was born as a hero and an example for those who love freedom and struggles for it,” Aliaksndr Shaternik said.

The headstone will be officially opened next week.