Maria Kalesnikava recorded a Christmas address in five languages VIDEO
Former political prisoner Maria Kalesnikava, who was released from behind bars on December 13 and is now in Germany, recorded a Christmas address. In it, she thanked in various languages everyone who supported her throughout these years and contributed to her and other political prisoners' release from behind bars.
Screenshot from video
Kalesnikava says that she never used to believe in miracles, but what happened two weeks ago made her change her mind. Only recently, looking up at the starry sky, she had wished to be at the Christmas table with her loved ones — and now that wish unexpectedly came true.
However, what happened was not an accident; people were behind it. Kalesnikava expressed gratitude "to everyone who took a step forward, who helped, who supported, and who did not say 'it's impossible'." She particularly noted her sister Tatsiana Khomich, her father Aliaksandr Kalesnikau, and all other family members.
Kalesnikava also thanked the doctors and those who made the decision to save her at a time when she needed surgery while in prison. She also thanked everyone who, for all five years, "despite the fear of punishment, found the courage to smile and offer a shoulder."
Words of gratitude were also found for the "dream team" that preserved "values and spirit when it was especially difficult."
Maria Kalesnikava expressed words of gratitude to US President Donald Trump in English. She also thanked other politicians who made decisions — from the USA, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, and Belarus.
"I especially want to thank Ukraine and its people. During the war, under shelling, you welcomed us — Belarusians released from prisons — like family. You surrounded us with care and warmth. My heart is with you," Kalesnikava said part of her speech in Ukrainian.
Thanks were also extended to friends around the world for their letters, support, and love. People of art from all over the world were especially noted, and Kalesnikava addressed her German friends in German.
At the end of her speech, she switched to Belarusian:
"Belarusians! All these years, they tried to divide us with prisons and borders, with fear and forced separation, with silence. I believe that a day will come when no one will be behind bars for their beliefs, words, or dreams. I believe that we will return home strong, with our love and dignity preserved. Those who know the price of freedom."
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На беларускім радыё...