Events surrounding the abduction of Maria Kalesnikava, one of the leading oppostion figures remaining in Belarus, by unknown masked men are becoming clearer. The regime attempted to expel her from Belarus, along with two other Coordination Council members Ivan Kravtsov and Anton Rodnenkov. Driven to the Belarus Ukraine border Ivan and Anton we’re forced to cross into Ukraine, however Maria managed to tear up her passport, shouting that she wont go anywhere then open the car door and walked back to the Belarusian border. Ivan and Anton confirmed Maria was” in great shape, full of energy and spirits as always”. Maria was then held by Belarusian Border Guards. Belarusian Authorities have confirmed Maria is still in custody and has been charged with an attempted coup and seizure of power, which could result in a sentence of between 8 and 25 years. Maria has confirmed she was threatened by security officers that she would be taken out the country “alive or in bits”. This is happening in Europe in 2020, Lukashenko and his thugs appear to be stuck in a 1930’s time slip! Her house and office have also now been raided and searched by the Belarusian security services.

Maria has consistantly displayed such amazing courage, remaining in Belarus despite knowing the risks to her safey. I cannot convey in words the admiration I have for Maria and for all Belarusian women who have been at the forefront of the protests, their bravery is truly inspiring. Please tweet using #FreeMariaKalesnikava to raise awareness of the abuse and threats Maria has endured and plight she now faces. We cannot allow Lukashenka and Putin to silence the voice of opposition in Belarus through intimidation and violence. The Belarusian people have and continue to demonstrate day after day their desire for the removal of Lukashenko and take the path of freedom and democracy.

The people of Belarus desperately need any and all support we can provide, please sign the following petition started by Nicholas James to demonstrate our solidarity with the Students of Belarus, who are being brutely arrested, tried and imprisoned.

The Government of Belarus: Letter of Solidarity to Belarusian Students – Sign the Petition! chng.it/S8RW8bd7 via @UKChange

We remember the Little Green Men” (with no insignia to identify what unit or country they are from) from the invasion of Ukraine and illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, but looks they have returned, now in Belarus. Are they Russian? Not confirmed, but there is apparent confirmation of at least one Titushky thug in plain clothes being from St. Petersburg. Putin has confirmed he has mobilised a reserve of security services to be deployed in Belarus if he beleives the sitatuion demands it. Maybe they have already arrvied? Evidence is clear that the tactics have changed and these green so called men are now attacking and arresting woman, a siginifcant ecsalation and provacation. It only adds to the suspicion that they are not Belarusian OMON. Regardless of where these Titushky are from its clear Lukashenko and Putin are attempting to provacate the so far peaceful protesters. So far this escalation in violence and repression is not working and is only further solidifying the unity of the Belarusian people against Lukashenko. Stay strong Belarus and take care!