In our own ‘Rude Roots’ series, we dive into the lives and passions of the amazing people of our community. Today, we’re talking with Krystsina Charankova (Kita) who has recently been released from prison after a sentence of two years. We talked about the skinhead culture, the reason why she got arrested and life after over two years of imprisonment and staying true to yourself and your roots.
Introduction
Hey Kita. How are you?
Hi! I’m much better now! Thank you! Happy to be free ☺️
Back in the days
Great to hear! Can you tell us a bit where you grew up?
I grew up in a small town in Belarus.
How was life back in the days?
It was a good time. At least I have very warm memories of my childhood.
Skinhead culture
How did you become involved in alternative culture?
I’ve liked hard music since I was a child, but in 2005 one of my friends gave me a CD with punk rock songs. It left a mark on my life and I gradually began to merge into the punk movement. Without the Internet in a small Belarusian province, it was difficult to learn something new, but from hand to hand on scratched rewriteable disks we passed each other new portions of punk. At the same time, I got acquainted with oi and street punk music. In particular, with the work of Los Fastidious, Stage Bottles, etc. I remember I had their full discography on my computer at that time))
How did you become interested in Skinhead culture?
In high school I learned more about the skinhead movement – about the origins, about branches, about the worldview, about fashion. I was especially interested in the SHARP movement, as it fully corresponded to my views and life attitudes. In 2008, I shaved my Chelsea for the first time and have been getting a haircut like this for 16 years.
What draws you to the Skinhead subculture?
In the skinhead subculture I love EVERYTHING: style, music, life attitudes, etc.
How would you describe your own style?
If we talk about clothes: I like the skinhead style, but I don’t dress only in that style. First of all, because it was very difficult to find subcultural clothing in Belarus. And after prison, leaving Belarus, I was forced to leave behind almost all my clothes…
Any favourite brands?
Dr Martens ❤️
© Instagram of Kita
Out of jail
You’re out of jail this month. Congratulations! How does this feel?
Thanks a lot! I’m happy of course) but also a little bit disoriented. I’m getting used to a new life in a new country.
How come you ended up in prison? What were you suspected of?
On March 23, 2022, the cops broke into my home and arrested me. I was charged under Article 130 (inciting hostility towards police officers). They also didn’t like the fact that in my previous Instagram I spoke openly about the war in Ukraine and the Russian invasion. By a court decision, my previous Instagram account was deleted and added to the republican list of extremist materials of the Republic of Belarus.
What were the conditions like there?
It was hard for me there, both physically and mentally. But you get used to everything… I was officially recognized as a political prisoner, and for such people the most severe conditions are created in prison.
That must have been tough! How long did you stay in prison?
More than 2 years,
So now you are free! What did you miss the most?
I really missed my family, my cat… and good music!!
Daily life
What keeps you busy in your daily life now?
At the moment I’m just getting used to living again. I need to look for a new job, house, etc.
What kind of music do you like? What’s your top 5 artists/bands?
Punk rock and Street Punk. I like a lot of bands. Right now I’m listening to Cock Sparrer. They’re great! Also, I like Los Fastidious for a long time and they’re also my friends ❤️ Besides that I also love НЯ ВАРТА, as this is band of my husband. I really love their music! Oh, and I also love Cockney Rejects and Angelic Upstarts!
© Instagram of Kita
Is there anything you would do different now?
I regret nothing! Any life experience is very important, even if it is negative.
What are your top 5 artists?
Cock Sparrer, Los Fastidios and HR BAPTA
View on life
What do you LOVE the most in life?
My family, my friends ❤️
What do you HATE?
Cops and nazis
What’s the main message you would like to spread?
Remember your roots, stand to the end, and be yourself!!
Final question: anything you would like to add to the readers and followers of All Buttoned Up? 🙂
Thank you for support! Love you! 1312 ✊🏼
If you would like to support Kita please follow her on Instagram.
All content used in this article is shared with consent of the creator.
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