Belarusian musician and political activist Maria Kalesnikava has been imprisoned for four years, but her younger sister and political ally, Tatsiana Khomich, refuse to let her story be forgotten. With Kalesnikava incarcerated in Correctional Colony No 4 in Gomel, Khomich reveals that the authorities are trying to convince her that she has been erased from public memory. Despite the harsh conditions and deteriorating health, Khomich is determined to spread the word about her sister’s plight and advocate for her release.
Kalesnikava, a renowned flautist in Belarus and Germany, was actively involved in the campaign for opposition leader Viktar Babaryka in the 2020 presidential elections. However, Babaryka’s arrest and subsequent crackdown on political dissent led to Kalesnikava being sentenced to prison on what human rights organizations describe as “bogus charges”. With over 1,400 political prisoners in Belarusian penal colonies, international pressure is mounting for their release, including Kalesnikava’s sister advocating for her on a personal level.
During her time in detention, Kalesnikava’s health has deteriorated, with Amnesty International reporting alleged ill-treatment by the penal colony administration. With limited contact with the outside world and harsh conditions in punishment cells, Khomich fears for her sister’s well-being. Despite being disconnected from her sister, Khomich remains committed to sharing the truth about Kalesnikava’s situation and rallying support for her release from prison.
As Kalesnikava’s situation worsens, Khomich finds solace in advocating for her sister’s release, using her own experiences to raise awareness and mobilize support. With the recent pardoning of some political prisoners, there is a flicker of hope for Kalesnikava’s eventual release. Allies like Inna Kavalionak, who leads the advocacy platform Politzek, are also working tirelessly to ensure that political prisoners are not forgotten and continue to push for their release.
Despite the oppressive regime of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, activists like Kavalionak remain hopeful that the country will one day host free and fair elections. Even in the face of ongoing repression and exile, Belarusians continue to resist and hold onto hope for a better future. While the road ahead may be challenging, the dedication of individuals like Khomich, Kavalionak, and others signals a glimmer of hope for a brighter future in Belarus.
