Abducted and jailed for demanding change

Maryia Kalesnikava was mysteriously abducted by authorities for advocating for free speech in her country. Right now, we need your help to free her. Maryia is from Belarus, where authorities had her dragged into a van by masked men. She was arrested, detained, and later sentenced to 11 years in prison on charges including “undermining national security” and “extremism.”

Her crime? Political activism in her country. Maryia was a leader in a political campaign during the presidential elections in repressive Belarus and was fighting for a vision of human rights and freedom of speech. She often stood at the front line of peaceful protests, confronting abusive police officers and making a heart-shaped symbol with her hands in front of riot police.

Maryia is now a political prisoner being held in appalling conditions. She is isolated from other inmates in prison, has limited access to the healthcare she needs, and is being denied any communication with her family and lawyers.

Join us: Call on Belarus authorities to immediately release Maryia.