Rumors of a major prisoner release had been swirling for days in Belarus. Yet, until everyone was safely out, no official source would reveal the names or the exact number of those being freed.
The final count confirmed a historic moment: 123 political prisoners have been released. Among them were some of Belarus’s best-known opposition politicians, human rights activists, and journalists.
Maria Kolesnikova—the protest leader known for her defiant red-lipsticked smile—was on the list. Shortly after her release, a video of her jumping for joy and embracing fellow former prisoners spread rapidly across social media.
Another clip, filmed on a bus departing Belarus, captured her gratitude.
“It’s a feeling of incredible happiness to see those who are dear to me, to hug them and realize we are all free,” said Masha, as she is widely known, her lips freshly painted red.
She described the first sunset of her freedom as a thing of great beauty. Yet, even in celebration, her thoughts turned to those still behind bars. “I also think of those who are not yet free,” she added, “and I await the moment when we can all embrace, when all are free.”
By James Kisoo
