Maria Kalesnikava has just been sentenced to 11 years in prison in Minsk. We expected it to happen. How predictable, embarrassing, tragic, humanly catastrophic this regime acts. Completely arbitrary, without any legal basis. The only basis for Lukashenka's actions are lies and brutal, cynical violence. The only ideology is lust for power and profit. It is inconceivable that this can work in the 21st century in the middle of Europe, that a completely self-serving despot can exploit millions of people and oppress a society in the most brutal way. How can Europe allow this?

My heart bleeds at the thought of Maria spending the most powerful time of her life, when she can still combine creative power and assertiveness, wisdom, experience and reflection with youthful energy, in prison. What strength she will need to keep her optimism, her energy, her joy of life.

We must not leave Maria and the Belarusian people alone. The democracy movement in Belarus was stifled by cynical state terror. Let us support the 200,000 Belarusians in exile by giving them attention, forums and creative space! Let us share their resistance, let us share the staying power that the Belarusian democracy movement needs, let us remain in solidarity!