Maria Kalesnikava is a Belarusian flautist, conductor, and pro-democracy
political activist. Her long-standing civic engagement reached a turning
point in May 2020, when she became campaign manager for presidential
candidate Viktar Babaryka. Following his arrest, she joined forces with
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Veranika Tsapkala, forming a trio that united
the democratic opposition against the authoritarian regime and in favour of
a non-violent power transfer. Kalesnikava’s defiance became internationally
renowned in September 2020 when, after being abducted by security forces,
she tore up her passport at the Ukrainian border to prevent her forced exile.
This act of courage led to her arrest, and in 2021 she was sentenced to 11
years in prison on politically motivated charges. After enduring prolonged
periods in solitary confinement, Kalesnikava was released in December 2025
as part of a diplomatic agreement involving the United States. Now living in
Germany, Kalesnikava continues her artistic and civic work and is widely
regarded as an exceptional example of the fusion of artistic excellence and
moral courage. Among numerous honours, she has received the
International Charlemagne Prize in recognition of her commitment to
democracy and human rights