Berlin — Maria Kolesnikova, a leading opposition figure in Belarus, received a prize on Saturday for contributions to European unity that she was unable to muster while imprisoned in her home country four years ago.
Kolesnikova was awarded the International Charlemagne Award at a ceremony in Aachen, Germany. She won the prize in 2022, with her sister Tatsiana Khomich accepting it on her behalf.
Kolesnikova was a prominent figure in the mass protests that rocked Belarus in 2020. He was a close ally of exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Sikhanouskaia after challenging dictatorial President Alexander Lukashenko in that year’s vote.
With her close-cropped hair, broad smile and gesture of forming her outstretched hands into a heart shape, she is often seen at the front of shows. Kolesnikova became a symbol of even greater resistance in September 2020 when Belarusian authorities tried to deport her. Driving to the Ukrainian border, she was briefly separated from security forces, tore up her passport and returned to Belarus, where authorities took her back into custody.
The 43-year-old professional flautist was indicted in 2021 on charges including conspiracy to usurp power and sentenced to 11 years in prison. She became seriously ill behind bars and underwent surgery.
Kolesnikova, along with dozens of other political prisoners, was released in December as part of a deal with Washington to lift crippling US sanctions on Belarusian fertilizer exports.
The prize he received Saturday is named after Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor who once ruled a part of Western Europe from Aachen. Past recipients include French President Emmanuel Macron, former US President Bill Clinton, Popes Francis and John Paul II, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Kolesnikova was recognized for her “extraordinary courage” in fighting for democratic rights, free elections and respect for human rights.
(Tags to translate)Protests and Demonstrations(T)Politics(T)World News(T)General News(T)Article(T)131064417
