Imprisoned Belarusian Activist Maria Kolesnikova Marks Fourth Birthday Behind Bars

It has been 434 days since the family of incarcerated Belarusian opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova last heard from her, marking a significant period of silence and concern for her wellbeing. Recently, on her 42nd birthday, her relatives expressed distress over the lack of communication with Kolesnikova, who is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for her involvement in organizing anti-government protests in Belarus in 2020.

Concerns over Well-Being

Kolesnikova's family has voiced growing concerns about her deteriorating health and the absence of information regarding her medical treatment while in prison. According to her sister Tatsiana Khomich, the family's most recent communication from Kolesnikova was received in February 2023, with sporadic updates coming through other inmates.

Political Unrest in Belarus

The imprisonment of Kolesnikova and other opposition figures stems from the aftermath of the 2020 election in Belarus, which resulted in mass protests following the contested reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko for a sixth term in office. The ensuing demonstrations were met with widespread arrests and reports of violent crackdowns by the authorities, leading to the incarceration of numerous opposition leaders and activists.

Activist's Detainment and Health Issues

Kolesnikova, known for her prominent presence at protests, has been detained since September 2020 after defiantly resisting deportation by tearing up her passport at the border. Despite undergoing abdominal surgery in 2022, she was swiftly returned to prison, with reports of her declining health and alleged mistreatment by both fellow inmates and prison officials.

Isolation and Human Rights Concerns

Recent reports indicate that Kolesnikova has been placed in complete isolation since March 2023, further exacerbating worries about her well-being. The prominent human rights group Viasna has listed Kolesnikova among 93 political prisoners with serious medical conditions, raising alarms about their potentially life-threatening situations. Additionally, the group has documented instances of harassment and pressure directed towards Kolesnikova by other inmates, purportedly under the directives of prison authorities.