Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “April 24 is Maryia Kalesnikava’s birthday. The birthday of our Masha, whose radiant smile has become a source of support for thousands of Belarusians. If the regime is ‘not at war against women’, then how come it is the fourth year already that Masha spends this day behind bars? What is it if not a war?
Belarus now has almost two hundred politically imprisoned women, collectively sentenced to hundreds of years behind bars. The time that the regime has taken from their lives cannot be replenished. These are the years they should enjoy freedom. Writing books and composing music. Learning new professions and initiating political reforms. Traveling and growing personally. Being free.
That’s why it’s so important to continue supporting political prisoners and their families. Let’s share our stories with them in letters, write kind words, and donate if it’s safe for you. Our unity, solidarity, and humanity are what will help us withstand any regime and eventually achieve our vision of the future together.
Masha’s family hasn’t heard from her for over a year now. And I don’t know when our letters and well wishes will reach her. Or if they’ll ever reach her at all.
But I know for sure one gift that she would be happy about. Hug the people around you. Call those who are far away. Be there for each other. Remember what Masha said: “Love trumps fear”. Try to always remember this and do everything you can to prove these words true”.
