Former political prisoner Maria Kalesnikava was ceremoniously awarded the International Charlemagne Prize in the German city of Aachen. This award was given to her back in 2022 when she was imprisoned in Belarus. At that time, her sister Tatsiana Khomich represented her at the ceremony, but today Kalesnikava received it in person, writes Deutsche Welle.
Maria Kalesnikava on February 13, 2026. Photo: Kay Nietfeld picture alliance via Getty Images
Kalesnikava noted that the news of being awarded the prize at that time was an important sign of support and solidarity for her.
According to the head of the award organizing committee, German politician Armin Laschet, the opportunity to welcome the former Belarusian political prisoner in Aachen today is a strong signal for all who advocate for freedom and democracy in Europe.
The International Charlemagne Prize is considered one of the most prestigious European awards. Since 1950, it has been presented to individuals and organizations for their significant contribution to the development and unification of Europe. Among the laureates over the years have been renowned politicians and public figures.
In 2022, this prize was awarded to the leaders of the Belarusian opposition in 2020, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Maria Kalesnikava, and Veranika Tsapkala, for their example of fighting against authoritarianism and for democratic change.
Maria Kalesnikava was detained in Minsk in September 2020, and in 2021, she was sentenced to 11 years in a penal colony. In December 2025, she was released, deported from the country along with other prisoners, and now lives in Germany.
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