Maryja Kalesnikava: West retains leverage over Belarus, Lukashenko regime is not Russia (euobserver.com)

• Kalesnikava spent 2.5 years in a 2x3 meter solitary cell.
• Red lipstick was banned after her case.
• She argues Belarus is distinct from Russia; West has leverage.

"Released Belarusian opposition leader Maryja Kalesnikava discusses her 11-year prison sentence, solitary confinement, and the importance of small rituals like red lipstick. She argues Belarus is not Russia and the West still has tools to influence Lukashenko, including sanctions and support for civil society."