Story perspectives

Maria Kolesnikova Receives Charlemagne Prize for Democracy

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maria Kolesnikova, the Belarusian opposition leader, received the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany, on March 14, 2026, for democratic rights advocacy.
She was awarded the prize in 2022 while imprisoned for opposing President Lukashenko, and Tatsiana Khomich accepted it.
She was released from prison in December 2025 after international pressure and a U.S. deal lifting sanctions on Belarus.
The Charlemagne Prize honors people who promote European unity.

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Story summary

Maria Kolesnikova, the Belarusian opposition leader, received the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany, on March 14, 2026, for democratic rights advocacy.
She was awarded the prize in 2022 while imprisoned for opposing President Lukashenko, and Tatsiana Khomich accepted it.
She was released from prison in December 2025 after international pressure and a U.S. deal lifting sanctions on Belarus.
The Charlemagne Prize honors people who promote European unity.