Kolesnikova and another opposition activist, Maxim Znak, were accused of extremism and conspiracy to “take state power unconstitutionally” in a closed-door trial in Minsk. reported the Belarusian state media Belta.
Znak, who is also a key member of the coordinating council made up of opponents of Lukashenko’s authoritarian government, was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Kolesnikova, a musician turned activist, was one of three women who joined forces last year to lead the opposition campaign against Lukashenko after prominent male opposition candidates were banned from the race. presidential.
The trio was the face of a protest movement that sent tens of thousands of Belarusians into the streets to demand political change during the country’s elections. Protesters, as well as independent observers, alleged that the vote was called 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, she reportedly broke her passport and refused to be forced into exile.
Tikhanovskaya, who defended her husband as an opposition candidate after being jailed in the run-up to the polls, fled to neighboring Lithuania with her children last August after contesting preliminary election results. which gave Lukashenko a great defeat.
Tikhanovskaya called Kolesnikova and Znak “heroes for Belarusians.”
“The regime wants us to see them crushed and exhausted. But look – they smile and dance. They know – we will release them long before these 11 years. Their terms shouldn’t scare us; Maksim and Maria wouldn’t do that I want that.” he added, sharing a video of the two opposition leaders who were in a glass cage for the defendants in court.
The United States and several European countries have issued statements condemning the court ruling and continued efforts to silence government opponents.
“Unfortunately, these sentences are further proof of the regime’s total disregard for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Belarus. Ms. Kalesnikava and Mr. Znak deserve a transparent judicial determination of the false charges against them, which which they did not receive, “U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Monday, calling the conviction” politically motivated “and” shameful. “
Last month, on the one-year anniversary of the election in Belarus, President Joe Biden issued a radical executive order aimed at members of the Belarusian regime involved in the repression of human rights and democracy. On Monday, Blinken cited the order, reiterating the Biden administration’s requests that “the Belarusian authorities begin a genuine dialogue with the democratic opposition and members of civil society leading to free and fair elections under international scrutiny.”
Germany on Monday vowed to step up pressure on the Belarusian regime if it does not change its civil rights behavior, with government spokesman Steffen Seibert calling the verdicts unjustified. UK Secretary of State Domnic Raab said Belarus was attacking democracy and freedom defenders by imprisoning two opposition figures. The European Union has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Maria Kolesnikova and Maxim Znak.