Maria Kolesnikawa

Incredibly courageous person. Wikipedia

As of this writing – in June 2023 – Maria is emprisoned for more than 1000 days. I thank her for being an inspiration for courage and love, that fills my heart and probably the heart of many other people. Her actions are priceless and shine their light wide into the world – no matter how deep a prison someone wishes to put her into.

In December 2023 she had disappeared in the Belarusian prison system for almost one year, with nobody able to communicate with her or to even be sure that she is still alive. A conference was held in support of her and other prisoners held in total isolation, in Cologne.

Maria Kalesnikava

Freedom and the Symbol of the Heart

Maria told TUT.BY that she did not come up with the symbol herself: “It was a team work, a large number of people decided what would be there. But it seems to us that this is a sign that very well shows the mission of Victor and the mission of the people he united around him – this is respect for people, love, self-esteem. This heart has it all.

If you want to read more about her bravery in the plight for freedom of the Belarus people, here is an article by Zerkalo – original with automatic translation into English. And a professional translation into German.