Opponent Maria Kolsnikova sentenced to 11 years in prison

This sentence depicts the repression aimed at any opposition to the rule of Alexander Lukashenko. Belarusian court on Monday, September 6, sentenced Maria Kolsnikova, one of the great figures of the summer protests of 2020, to eleven years in prison. The 39-year-old rival was convicted of “conspiracy to seize power.” Calls for actions that undermine national security and “form terrorism,” according to the press service of Victor Babarico, another prisoner they worked for.

His co-defendant, lawyer Maxim Snack, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The trial of two opponents, who were jailed for 11 months, began in early August and was held behind closed doors, so some details were leaked, especially as most independent media, voluntary organizations and opposition movements suffered months of continuous repression. Defense lawyers were barred from talking about the content of the case.

Opposition presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya responded to the verdict on Twitter “Immediate release of Maria and Maxim”. “Belarusians oppose regime”, She denounced. The European Union also criticized it “Obvious Neglect” For the human rights of Belarus. In a statement, the European Union reiterated its call for liberation “Immediate and Unconditional of All Political Prisoners”.