2015-2021
From 2015 to 2021 I took part in human rights work and independent monitoring of elections and public assemblies. I worked as an observer, documented violations, and helped with campaigns for independent candidates and civic movements.
Election observation
Independent observer at municipal, regional, and presidential elections. Watched procedures at polling stations, recorded violations, helped voters defend their rights.
Observation requires knowledge of election law, quick responses to violations, careful documentation, and steady work with commission members. It is team work with lawyers, other observers, and coordinators.
Rallies and public assemblies
Documented police and organiser conduct at public events. An observer at a rally watches whether participants' rights are respected: no unlawful detentions, police acting within the law, organisers meeting the terms of their permit.
It requires calm and precision. You stand where conflict may happen but remain a neutral observer. Video and photos, times and places, the duty lawyers' numbers.
Election campaigns
Helped independent candidates and civic movements run campaigns - field work: collecting signatures, distributing materials, organising meetings with voters, coordinating volunteers.
A campaign is a marathon. Long days, tight deadlines, dozens of tasks at once. It also shows how politics works at the level of specific people and specific actions.
Human rights work
Worked with human rights groups: gathering information on violations, preparing complaints and appeals, taking part in training for activists.
Human rights work moves through documented complaints, cases won, and people learning how to exercise their rights. Progress is slow and cumulative.
What stayed with me
How elections, police, and courts actually work. How to document violations and use the law to protect your rights and other people's. That civil society is not an abstraction - it is concrete people doing concrete things.
The experience made me more sceptical of loud words and more attentive to what people actually do.