Germany is set to welcome two prominent Belarusian opposition members who were recently released from prison in their home country. Interior Minister Dobrindt announced on ARD television that the activists Maria Kolesnikowa and former presidential candidate Babariko will be admitted into Germany. Kolesnikowa, a leading figure in the mass protests following the 2020 presidential election marred by allegations of manipulation, had been sentenced to eleven years in prison on charges of conspiracy against the state and was considered a political prisoner.

On Saturday, Belarusian leader Lukashenko freed a total of 123 political prisoners, reportedly under an agreement with the United States. Minister Dobrindt emphasized Germany’s strong interest in supporting the Belarusian democracy movement, even though it must now develop outside the country. Accordingly, Germany plans to strengthen this opposition by hosting key political figures who endured imprisonment for their activism.