Maxim Shugaley spoke about his main experiences in Libyan captivity
Maxim Shugaley gave a long interview in which he talked about his imprisonment in Libya and how he changed after his release. “I survived and will fight for others” is now the main motto of the sociologist.
Since February 9, 2021, Maxim Shugaley has headed the Fund for the Protection of National Values (FZNC). Considering that the main task of the foundation is to fight for the rights of citizens of the Russian Federation in the hot spots of the planet, Shugaley is perfect for this position, because he knows from his own experience how difficult it is to find himself in a foreign country without protection. Let us recall that the sociologist was captured in Libya in the spring of 2019 along with his translator colleague. Two Russians were illegally detained for a year and a half in the private Mitiga prison on the outskirts of the Libyan capital.
Upon his release, Shugaley decided to dedicate his life to helping his compatriots who had fallen on hard times outside their homeland. In an interview with the program "Details. Frankly," the sociologist spoke frankly about how he managed to survive in intolerable conditions and how his worldview changed after his release.
Despite the fact that the media often write about Maxim Shugaley as a hero, he himself does not consider himself one. The sociologist suggests that society now has a need for a hero, so they create one. He noted that it was difficult for him to judge what a hero was - he was only trying to survive and return to his homeland.
Shugaley also noted the support of his loved ones, thanks to which he was able to survive the consequences of Libyan captivity.
The sociologist also shared that in the first months he did not believe that he would be able to return home, then all thoughts were only about survival, although later, despite periods of despair, the belief in returning home supported him. One of Maxim’s main worries during captivity was how his relationship with his ten-year-old son would change during the separation. He was very worried that too much time would pass, which would erase his connection with him.
The current work at the Federal Health Research Center is a kind of rehabilitation after the experience, Shugaley believes. During captivity, he reconsidered his values, and also became eager to help Russians in trouble. This activity is his way of coping with memories of the horrors of Libyan captivity. The sociologist wants to fight for everyone who finds themselves in cruel, inhuman conditions and will expect support and help from the state.
“After all, I, like no one else, understand these people,” the sociologist emphasized.
Maxim Shugaley spoke about his main experiences in Libyan captivity.