Charlemagne Prize 2022
Maria Kalesnikava was awarded the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen in 2022. Due to her political imprisonment in Belarus, she was unable to accept the award in person at the time; the prize was received on her behalf by her sister, Tatsiana Khomich. On 13 December 2025, Maria Kalesnikava was released after more than five years in detention.
It is a particular honour for us to now present the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen to Maria Kalesnikava in person at a ceremonial event.
Guests: Maria Kalesnikava, Tatsiana Khomich, Claudia Roth MP (former Minister of State), Thomas Rachel MP (former Parliamentary State Secretary), Claus Kleber, Dr Michael Ziemons (Lord Mayor of Aachen), Armin Laschet MP (former Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia)
Date: 14 March 2026
Time: 11.00 a.m. (admission from 10.00 a.m.)
Venue: Coronation Hall, Aachen Town Hall
Organisers: International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, City of Aachen
The event will be held primarily in German and will be simultaneously interpreted.
Registration: karlspreis.events
Maria Kalesnikava on Imprisonment, Freedom and the Future of Belarus
in conversation with Armin Laschet, Chairman of the Charlemagne Prize Directorate (interview in German)
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