Alexander Morozov: "My letter to Maria Kolesnikova"

The political scientist and publicist publishes on Facebook his letter addressed to the prison of the Belarusian opposition Maria Kolesnikova. In it, Morozov notes that the actions of Kolesnikova presented Russia and Belarus "The historical chance to get out of this post -Soviet swamp."

"Dear Masha, good afternoon!

I decided to write, because since your arrest I think about you every day. And even the events associated with Alexei Navalny - and they, of course, are close to me, like a Russian citizen, they did not stop these thoughts. On the contrary, yours and his step - returning back - are clearly connected. Such actions cannot be read otherwise than personal, non -anti -icing patriotism. And we all saw that Alexei Navalny, for his part, also sent you greetings when, symbolically from the courtroom showed your branded heart, and then his headquarters called us to the action "Love is stronger than fear."

Of course, we read a lot on social networks: they say, love is a weak position for the opposition struggle. But for us, those who know political history, this is not so. I wrote a lot about the Belarusian protest, carefully monitored your campaign until August 8, and then arrest on September 7. We are all witnesses: you emphasized in every public speech that no one is excluded, there is no hatred, the door to the future is open for each.

There were those who said: this is a compromise. But I listened to you and understood that your words are dictated by the same thought of the lands of Eastern Europe, which worried many according to the results of the twentieth century. For a long time, these lands were a "gray zone", the outskirts of different empires. There was a lot of hatred, violence. And after the Soviet rim of these lands collapsed, many of us well understood that a strong polarization, an acute civil conflict would be very likely not to end in democracy, but a catastrophe, degradation.

I saw your intention well: you wanted Belarusian society as a whole to proceed to a new state so that this transition is not related to mutual hatred. And so that he is benevolently accepted by all neighboring societies.

Is this a utopia? No! I believe that your electoral "campaign of three sisters", and then a month of your actions during protest is an absolutely amazing fact not only for Belarus, but for all post -Soviet countries. Because you have shown the European political campaign and - personally - European political style. Openness, dialogue, abandonment of hate.

You in every speech, every interview turned to Belarusians precisely as a civilian nation. There was not only nationalism, but in general manipulating the image of the people characteristic of populism. In my opinion, it was the most modern political campaign in Eastern Europe.

And your personal political style very accurately corresponded to the type of solidarity for which the Belarusian society was ready. This is not a "combat class solidarity", but the solidarity of modern communities, a community, standing tightly inside their life. This is not a closed solidarity of political sects, but solidarity as a manifestation of a modern civilian nation.

You showed the image of the future with your campaign. The style of public communication was born, which is so necessary here according to the results of the 30th anniversary after Bialowieza agreements.

Thirty -year transit for our countries ended poorly. For some, better for others is worse. But in general, this is not at all how it all began and what our peoples deserve. You have become one of the most striking symbols for me that the matter can be corrected.

During the election campaign and during protests, we were thanks to social media, and every day I thought: if I can behave like that, as Kolesnikov does, then there is still a historical chance to get out of this post -Soviet swamp. Yes, this is only hope. Thanks to you, my hope is getting stronger.

I hug you, speedy liberation, we pray for this.

Alexander Morozov, Moscow - Prague. "