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Maria Kolesnikova's Father Visits Jailed Daughter
After a long period of isolation, Belarusian political prisoner Maria Kolesnikova's father was allowed to visit her. This development has sparked calls for the release of all political prisoners in Belarus.
German
Germany
PoliticsHuman Rights ViolationsHuman RightsGermany Russia Ukraine WarOppositionBelarusImprisonment
DpaX CorpNascha Niwa
Maria KolesnikovaAlexander LukashenkoSvetlana TikhanovskayaAlexander SchallenbergRoman Protasevich
- How did opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya react to the news?
- The Belarusian opposition leader, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, also expressed relief at the news and shared in the celebrations for this development. This event highlights the ongoing human rights concerns within Belarus.
- Under what conditions might Maria Kolesnikova be released from prison?
- While Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has recently released some political prisoners, Kolesnikova's release may be contingent on her submitting a pardon request. The photos of the meeting were first shared on the Telegram channel of former opposition blogger Roman Protasevich, who now collaborates with the Belarusian authorities.
- What were the circumstances leading to Maria Kolesnikova's arrest and imprisonment?
- Maria Kolesnikova was arrested in 2020 following protests against the Belarusian presidential election, which was widely seen as rigged. She was subsequently sentenced to 11 years imprisonment for conspiracy to overthrow the government, and her imprisonment represents a broader pattern of repression of dissent in the country.
- What recent development has brought relief to the family and supporters of Maria Kolesnikova?
- Maria Kolesnikova, a prominent Belarusian opposition figure, was recently allowed a visit from her father after 600 days in solitary confinement. This visit marks the first contact with the outside world in a long time and has brought relief to her family and supporters.
- What was Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg's response to the news of the visit?
- Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg expressed his relief at the visit and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus, including Kolesnikova.