Maria Kalesnikava, a prominent Belarusian dissident, spoke to dpa upon her arrival in Aachen, Germany, to receive the International Charlemagne Prize, which she was awarded in 2022 while still imprisoned in Belarus. Kalesnikava shared her experience of isolation during her nearly three-year imprisonment, where she spent about two and a half years in solitary confinement without any contact with the outside world, including her family and friends. Despite the challenging circumstances, she found solace in literature, stating that books provided her with company and a dialogue with great authors like Shakespeare and Goethe.

Reflecting on her time in prison, Kalesnikava revealed the emotional toll of her isolation, highlighting the absence of letters, phone calls, and any communication from her loved ones. This complete separation from her family added another layer of difficulty to her already harsh imprisonment conditions. Her resilience and dedication to reading have become a focal point of her narrative, showcasing how literature can serve as a refuge and a source of strength in dire situations.

Kalesnikava's release comes amidst a complex political landscape in Belarus, where she remains an influential figure against the backdrop of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, which is supported by Russian President Vladimir Putin. As she contemplates the challenges posed by this alliance on security and the political climate in Belarus, Kalesnikava's story continues to resonate, inspiring many in the fight for democracy and human rights in the region.