Belarusian oppositionist Maria Kolesnikova sentenced to 11 years in prison

The court sentenced her to 11 years in a general regime colony.

In addition, Belarusian oppositionist Maksim Znak was convicted for similar offenses on Monday. The court sentenced him to 10 years in prison. He will serve his sentence in a maximum security colony, the Belarusian newspaper reports. BelTA.

The Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition reports on its Telegram page that the court session on the Kolesnikova and Znak cases was held behind closed doors. On the eve, the state prosecution requested 12 years in prison for both.

According to the Belarusian opposition, the trial of its leaders was hasty, since the verdict was passed on the 18th day of the consideration of the cases of Kolesnikova and Znak. "Where is the court in such a hurry?", - noted in the message of the Coordination Council.

According to opposition representatives, the accusations against Kolesnikova and Znak were also "far-fetched and absurd".

“We are confident that Masha and Maxim will continue to support and inspire Belarusians. We believe that they will soon be free”, - the statement says.

Let us remind you that Kolesnikova was detained in September last year. She was abducted by unknown persons. During the day, there was no connection with her. Later it turned out that they tried to force her out of the country, however, in order to prevent this, she tore her passport at the border. She was later accused of conspiracy against the current government.

The sign was also detained in September last year. He, like Kolesnikova, was a member of the Presidium of the Coordination Council of the Belarusian Opposition, created to transfer power in the country. He was accused of publicly calling for the overthrow of the government in the country.