Today it became known about the death of a significant activist and one of the leaders of the Free Trade Union of Metalworkers (SPM), Aliaksandr Yeudakimchyk. According to the information received from sources, the fighter for labor rights and democracy passed away after a long illness.
Aliaksandr, who came from the trade union of machine builders, was considered one of the key leaders of the free trade union, which was part of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), liquidated by the authorities in July 2022. Yeudakimchyk was repeatedly elected deputy chairman of the SPM. He continued to adhere to his principled views even after the forced liquidation of the organization and the threat of arrest in 2022.
Aliaksandr Yeudakimchyk has been repeatedly arrested by the authorities for his trade union and left-wing political stance. His most recent arrest occurred in the spring of 2022, when he was detained as part of the mass arrests of democratic labor union leaders. The day after his arrest, he was convicted under Article 24.3 of the CAO (disobedience to police officers), sentenced to 15 days of arrest. These difficult periods, full of stress and interrogations, left a negative imprint on the trade union leader's health.
On behalf of e.V. Salidarnast we express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Aliaksandr Yeudakimchyk. His tireless struggle for workers' rights and democracy will be remembered by many as an example of strength and devotion to ideals.