Belarus Opposition Activist Maria Kolesnikova Reappears After 20 Months in Isolation

Kolesnikova, jailed for her role in 2020 protests, meets her father amid discussions of a potential pardon.

Maria Kolesnikova, a key figure in Belarus's 2020 protests, was seen in a photo with her father, marking her first contact with the outside world since February 2023.
Kolesnikova, who is serving an 11-year sentence, has suffered significant health issues, including a perforated ulcer that required surgery.
Her father revealed that Kolesnikova is considering requesting a pardon from President Alexander Lukashenko, although no decision has been made.
The photo was released by Raman Pratasevich, a former opposition journalist now cooperating with Belarusian authorities, raising questions about the regime's motives.
Lukashenko, facing international pressure and an upcoming election, has pardoned some political prisoners but continues to suppress dissent aggressively.