After more than 600 days of denied visits and communication, Belarusian opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova has finally been allowed to see her father in prison. A photograph shared on social media captures the emotional moment, showcasing Kolesnikova, dressed in a prison housecoat, embracing her father with a smile reminiscent of the hope she inspired during the 2020 protests against the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenko.
Kolesnikova’s activism and leadership during those protests put significant pressure on the Lukashenko government, which responded with widespread arrests and documented instances of police violence.
Kolesnikova was sentenced to 11 years in prison for charges related to extremism and alleged conspiracy to overthrow the government. Since March 2023, she has endured harsh conditions without any contact with family or legal representation. Her sister, Tatsiana Kolesnikova, has expressed deep concerns about Maria’s well-being, fearing that the regime is subjecting her to slow degradation in health. Following the recent photo release, Tatsiana shared her disbelief and relief at this unexpected reunion.
The photograph was initially published on Telegram by Roman Protasevich, a former opposition journalist who now collaborates with authorities after receiving a pardon post-arrest. His silence regarding the details surrounding Kolesnikova’s visit raises questions about the motivations behind such gestures from the regime.
Alexander Lukashenko, who has maintained power since the early 1990s, is preparing for another presidential election in January 2024—one that will likely exclude genuine opposition candidates. In an apparent effort to improve his public image amidst international scrutiny, Lukashenko has recently pardoned small groups of prisoners. However, most of those released were nearing the end of their sentences or were suffering from health issues.
Tatsiana remains skeptical about these developments and does not view her sister’s visit as indicative of imminent release.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, an exiled leader who once ran against Lukashenko, expressed joy over Maria’s reunion with her father through a heartfelt video message. Tikhanovskaya emphasized the need for ongoing international pressure to secure freedom for all political prisoners still facing injustice.
As global attention intensifies on Belarus’ political landscape, experts suggest that Lukashenko’s recent actions may be mere symbolic gestures rather than steps toward genuine reform. Franak Viacorka, an adviser to Tikhanovskaya, articulated concerns that these moves are calculated efforts to mitigate international backlash ahead of the upcoming election.
While some families may find brief moments of joy amid turmoil, many continue to face uncertainty regarding their loved ones imprisoned under oppressive conditions. As advocates call for change and solidarity builds across borders, the fight for justice in Belarus remains far from over.
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