Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova meets father after 20 months in prison.

Belarusian opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, serving an 11-year sentence for conspiracy to seize power, has met with her father after 20 months without contact, according to the human rights group Viasna. Kolesnikova, a key figure in protests against President Alexander Lukashenko following his disputed 2020 re-election, was last heard from in February 2023. Her reappearance has sparked both concern and hope, with the UN Human Rights Committee calling for urgent protective measures for her and other political prisoners.

November 12, 2024
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