Worked at the Institute of Art, but was fired for political reasons in 1974. Beginning in 1976 he became engaged in archeology and a senior fellow at the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences.

In 1988 he became the discoverer of Kurapaty, as well as the founder and head of the Belarusian Popular Front. In 1990-1996 he was a deputy of the Supreme Council and leader of the Belarusian Popular Front in parliament. In the presidential elections of 1994 he took third place with 12.8 % of the vote.

In 1996 he emigrated due to threats on his life. In addition to politics, he is engaged in publishing books.