Freedom to Mariya Kolesnikova

08.09.2020

On 7 September, 2020, Belarus protest leader and opposition coordination council's member Mariya Kolesnikova, our colleague, partner and friend, was kidnapped by 'unknown men' who – and here we entertain no doubts – were officers of the Belarusian security services.

It is reported that on 8 September the kidnappers attempted forcibly to expel Kolesnikova from Belarus. However, Mariya found a way to prevent expulsion by destroying her passport. Following that, she was taken in an unknown direction. As yet, there is no information about her whereabouts.

We call on the Russian government, the Russian and international community, political leaders in Europe and the rest of the world to do everything possible to ensure that Mariya Kolesnikova appears in Minsk today, free and safe.

These are not only the kidnappers who assume full responsibility for Mariya Kolesnikova's life, security and well-being, but also the man who claims to be Belarusian President – Alexander Lukashenko.

International Memorial
8 September, 2020