Belarusian Activist Kolesnikova Read 700 Books During Imprisonment - Maria Kolesnikova's harrowing prison ordeal and fragile freedom in Berlin

Maria Kolesnikova, a prominent Belarusian opposition figure, was freed from prison in December 2021 after more than a year in detention. Her release came amid US pressure, alongside over 120 other political prisoners. Since then, she has been rebuilding her life in Berlin while reflecting on her harrowing experience behind bars.

Kolesnikova was arrested in September 2020 for her involvement in mass protests against Belarus's disputed presidential election. She spent roughly two and a half years in solitary confinement, with nearly three years passing without any contact with her family. Despite the isolation, she maintained a sense of inner freedom through reading—devouring over 700 books during her five-year imprisonment.

Upon her release, she struggled with simple aspects of daily life, such as crossing busy streets and navigating crowded shops. Yet, she marveled at technological advancements that had unfolded while she was incarcerated. Now settled in Berlin, Kolesnikova has embraced her newfound freedom, cherishing moments with loved ones and attending cultural events like concerts and exhibitions.

Meanwhile, Belarus's political climate remains unchanged under Alexander Lukashenko. No significant human rights improvements have occurred, with political prisoners still detained and families separated in exile. Weekly protests in Warsaw continue to demand their release. The EU has tightened sanctions on Belarus through 2025-2026, targeting banks and trade due to its involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine. Lukashenko's regime has intensified security measures, holding a propagandistic assembly in December 2025 and announcing rigged elections in January 2025. The government persists in hybrid tactics, including migrant pushes at EU borders and deeper military-economic ties with Russia, with no signs of broader prisoner releases or rights progress.

Kolesnikova's release marked a personal victory, but Belarus's broader political repression endures. She now lives in Berlin, adjusting to freedom while the country's regime maintains its grip. The EU's sanctions and ongoing protests abroad highlight the unresolved struggle for democracy and human rights in Belarus.