Story perspectives

Belarusian Leader Maria Kolesnikova Receives Charlemagne Prize in Germany

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maria Kolesnikova, a Belarusian opposition leader, received the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen on March 14, 2026, after being awarded it in absentia in 2022.
She was recognized for her efforts in promoting democratic rights in Belarus alongside activists Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Veronika Tsepkalo.
Kolesnikova could not attend the 2022 ceremony due to her imprisonment during a crackdown on protests.
Released in December 2025 through international pressure, she has since been granted political asylum in Germany.
Kolesnikova's sister, Tatsiana Khomich, represented her at the ceremony.

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Story summary

Maria Kolesnikova, a Belarusian opposition leader, received the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen on March 14, 2026, after being awarded it in absentia in 2022.
She was recognized for her efforts in promoting democratic rights in Belarus alongside activists Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Veronika Tsepkalo.
Kolesnikova could not attend the 2022 ceremony due to her imprisonment during a crackdown on protests.
Released in December 2025 through international pressure, she has since been granted political asylum in Germany.
Kolesnikova's sister, Tatsiana Khomich, represented her at the ceremony.