Former diplomat, Chernobyl charity leader Ruchla dies aged 73
A picture taken in 2001. From left to right, Belarusian State University Rector Alaksandar Kazulin, Ruchla, German Ambassador Horst Winkelmann and Uładzimer Astapienka, a deputy rector, standing behind the cameraman
October 2, Pozirk. Alaksandar Ruchla, a former diplomat who dedicated his life to alleviating the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, has passed away after a serious illness.
After a short diplomatic career, Ruchla headed Chernobyl-related charities and is best known as the man who initiated the construction of the Nadzeja (Hope) Belarusian-German medical center for children from contaminated areas.
In 2005, he was fired from Belarusian State University’s International Department after endorsing an opposition presidential candidate.
“Apparently, I have lived too long in Germany to be satisfied with what is going on here,” Ruchla told journalists after his dismissal. “Belarus is a country that could easily follow the European path. . . It hurts me when I imagine what could have been here.”