Maria Kolesnikova's Sister on Her Release and Belarusian Political Prisoners

Release and Reunification

• 🕊️ Maria Kolesnikova, a Belarusian political opponent, has been released and transferred to Ukraine along with other political prisoners.
• 💬 Her sister, Tatsiana Khomich, expressed immense relief upon hearing Maria's voice and confirming her well-being after over two years of no communication.
• 🗺️ The plan was to meet in the EU, but Belarusian authorities changed the destination to Ukraine at the last moment.

Kolesnikova's Ordeal and Health Decline

• 🎶 Maria Kolesnikova, an accomplished orchestra conductor, became involved in the 2020 Belarusian presidential protests.
• ⛓️ She was initially snatched off the street, given an ultimatum to leave or face a long prison sentence, and ultimately ripped up her passport in defiance, leading to her imprisonment.
• 🏥 After being sentenced to 11 years in 2021, she endured isolation, surgery for a perforated ulcer, and a severe health decline, dropping to 35 kilos.
• 🗣️ Communication ceased for nearly two years until a campaign for her release led to improved treatment, nutrition, and an end to her isolation in November 2024.

Advocacy for Political Prisoners

• 🌍 Tatsiana Khomich has been a vocal advocate for Maria's release and for all political prisoners in Belarus, noting a decrease in international attention since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
• 🇺🇸 The release of 123 political prisoners is a positive step, but more efforts are needed, with appreciation for the US government's role in leading negotiations.
• 🤝 Previous negotiations with the US and Minsk have led to the liberation of over 200 people, including prominent activists and the husband of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
• ⚖️ The goal is to continue advocating until the number of political prisoners in Belarus reaches zero, while acknowledging that repressions continue.