“Today, Maryia, whom we all love, celebrates her birthday.
I remember her eyes, full of determination, confidence, and enthusiasm when we first met in the summer of 2020. Her eyes looked the same in the video from the trial. Maryia was smiling, dancing, and showing us that she never regretted her decision for a second.
Maryia demonstrated that any path, even if it's about a change at the national level, starts with the self. And this path is not a one-time action but a daily choice.
Maryia taught us that we should choose pride, not guilt. Not hate, but love. Not emphasize each other's weaknesses, but appreciate strengths. Find the best in ourselves – and share it with others.
Tomorrow, Maryia’s sister Tatsiana Khomich, Veranika Tsapkala, and I are going on a working visit to Berlin. It means a lot to me that we keep in touch, but of course, dear Maryia, we miss you very much. Just like our country, you are going through a huge challenge now. But we know that, like Belarus, you will be free. And, in fact, you were always free.
Happy birthday, my dear friend Maryia”.
