Константин Золотых. Фото: Facebook
Former political prisoner and ex-director of the Belarusy i Rynok newspaper Kanstantsin Zalatykh has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. BYSOL has launched a fundraiser to raise €4,500 to support the former political prisoner’s family.
He is currently undergoing medical examinations in Poland, after which doctors will determine the next steps in his treatment. Given the complexity of his diagnosis, he has been referred to a specialist clinic in Wrocław. In September 2026, Zalatykh was scheduled to undergo a complex kidney-sparing operation, but a medical board cancelled it because of the high risk of losing the kidney. In October, he was hospitalised again for a biopsy and further examinations, but the biopsy could not be performed because the tumour is located too close to the arteries.
In addition to cancer, the former political prisoner has heart problems and damage to the blood vessels in his legs that require surgery. His treatment and necessary medication are provided free of charge in Poland, so the fundraiser is intended to cover the family’s everyday expenses rather than medical procedures.
“The problem is that, because of my illness, hospital stays and constant examinations, I am currently unable to provide for my family properly. After my imprisonment, forced relocation and everything we have been through, we have practically no money left. Every month, we have to pay rent, buy food and cover our family’s daily expenses.
I admit that asking for help is very difficult for me. I am usually the one who takes care of my loved ones. My family has already endured years of separation, fear and uncertainty. Now that we are finally together again, what I want most is to make sure that this illness does not also deprive us of a roof over our heads. I hope that once the examinations and treatment are complete, I will be able to support my family on my own again. But right now, we need help to get through the next few months,” Kanstantsin Zalatykh said.
Of the €4,500 needed, €3,000 is intended to cover rent and utility bills for three months, €900 for trips to Wrocław for diagnostic tests and surgery, and another €600 for food and other household expenses.
Kanstantsin Zalatykh worked as a media manager and headed the independent newspaper Belarusy i Rynok. From 2011, he headed the Minsk bureau of the European Radio for Belarus, and from 2014 he also served as director of Media Rynok CJSC, the company that published the newspaper.
On May 18, 2022, KGB officers searched the newspaper’s editorial office and Zalatykh’s home, after which he was detained and sentenced to four years in prison. He was charged under articles concerning incitement to hatred, insulting Lukashenka, insulting a government official and abuse of office. The trial was held behind closed doors. Zalatykh was released in October 2025 and left Belarus soon afterwards.