Belarusian state media Belta reported that Kolesnikova and another opposition activist, Maxim Znak, were charged with extremism and conspiracy to “seize state power by unconstitutional means”.
Znak, who is also a key member of the Coordinating Council formed by opponents of Lukashenko’s authoritarian government, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Musician-turned-activist Kolesnikova was one of three women who joined forces last year to face the opposition’s campaign against Lukashenko after leading male opposition candidates were barred from the presidential race.
The trio was the face of a protest movement that sent thousands of Belarusians to the streets to demand political change during the country’s elections. Protesters as well as independent observers alleged that the vote was rigged to extend Lukashenko’s 27-year rule.
Kolesnikova was arrested last September and taken to the border, where she was ordered to leave the country. Instead, he reportedly tore his passport, refusing to go into exile.
Tikhanovskaya, who stood as an opposition candidate for her husband after being jailed for the vote, fled with her children to neighboring Lithuania last August after contesting early election results that saw Lukashenko win a resounding victory. Gave victory.
Tikhanovskaya called Kolesnikova and Znak “heroes for Belarusians.”
“The regime wants us to see them crushed and weary. But look – they are smiling and dancing. They know – we will release them much earlier than these 11 years. Their terms should not scare us – Maksim and Maria will not want this,” he added, sharing a video of two opposition leaders standing in a glass cage for the defendants in court.
The US and several European countries have issued statements condemning the court’s decision and continued efforts to silence government opponents.
“Sadly, these convictions are further evidence of the regime’s total disregard for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Belarus. Ms. Kalesnikeva and Mr. Zanak deserved a transparent judicial determination of the bogus charges leveled against them, which they did not Get it,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Monday, calling the conviction “politically motivated” and “shameful.”
Last month, on the one-year anniversary of Belarus’ election, President Joe Biden issued a sweeping executive order targeting members of the Belarusian regime involved in the suppression of human rights and democracy. On Monday, Blinken cited the order, “reiterating the Biden administration’s call for Belarusian officials to begin a genuine dialogue with members of the democratic opposition and civil society, leading to free and fair elections under international observation.” “
Germany promised on Monday to intensify pressure against the Belarusian regime if it does not change its attitudes toward civil rights, with government spokesman Stefan Seibert calling the decision unfair. Britain’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Belarus was attacking defenders of democracy and freedom by jailing two opposition figures. The European Union has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Maria Kolesnikova and Maxim Znak.
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