Maria Kalesnikava: Belarus must not be left alone with Russian domination
Maryia Kalesnikava / LookByMedia
Belarus cannot be left alone with Russian domination, as it is also part of Europe. This was stated by former political prisoner Maria Kalesnikava during her address at PACE.
She stressed that Europe does not end at the borders of the European Union. According to Kalesnikava, the European space is defined by "human dignity, freedom and responsibility for one another".
"These are the values that Belarusians continue to strive to live by. That is why Belarus remains part of Europe. And a part of Europe that is in danger should not be isolated", she added.
She also called on PACE members of parliament to support those who remain in the country and in prisons, to maintain living ties with Belarusian society, and to help protect the independence and sovereignty of Belarus.
Kalesnikava spoke at the award ceremony for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize. She became the laureate of this prize in 2021, but was unable to receive it as she was in detention. The Belarusian woman said that the news of being awarded the prize gave her great support behind bars.
