In Belarus, the health of Maria Kalesnikava, a key opposition figure, is rapidly declining in prison, according to her sister Tatsiana Khomich. Kalesnikava, who became a symbol of resistance during the 2020 protests against Alexander Lukashenko's regime, is reportedly being held in harsh conditions with limited access to proper nutrition and medical care.
Kalesnikava's situation highlights the ongoing human rights concerns in Belarus, a country that has been under Lukashenko's leadership since 1994. Despite recent releases of some political prisoners, rights groups argue that there has been no significant change in the government's approach to dissent.
Since early July 2024, Lukashenko has freed 78 individuals convicted for protest activities. However, this represents only a small fraction of the estimated 1,400 political prisoners in the country. Notable figures such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and Syarhey Tsikhanouski, husband of exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, remain incarcerated.
The 2020 protests marked a turning point in Belarus's relationship with the West and Russia. Following the crackdown on demonstrations, Lukashenko strengthened ties with Vladimir Putin's Russia, allowing the country to be used as a staging ground for the invasion of Ukraine and agreeing to host tactical nuclear weapons.
"Why keep them there (in prison), feed them at public expense? We let them go. They are under the full control of law enforcement agencies here."
Some analysts suggest that Lukashenko may be attempting to improve relations with the European Union through these prisoner releases. However, EU diplomats remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for all political prisoners to be freed before considering any normalization of relations.
Belarus, with a population of approximately 9.4 million, has faced international criticism for its human rights record. The country's economy is heavily dependent on Russia for subsidized energy, highlighting the complex geopolitical situation in which Belarus finds itself.
As the National Unity holiday approaches on September 17, 2024, there is speculation that more pardons may be announced. However, human rights activists like Alena Masliukova of Viasna argue that the government continues to jail critics, even for comments made years ago online.
The case of Maria Kalesnikava remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by political dissidents in Belarus. Her sister hopes that if given the opportunity, Kalesnikava might consider requesting a pardon to secure her release and potentially save her life.