Memorial's statement on the exchange of prisoners

On August 1, we waited with bated breath for news - and now what was very hard to believe has become a reality: the world-famous Russian political prisoners, among them our colleague and fellow Memorial member Oleg Orlov, have been released. They have been pardoned by Vladimir Putin’s secret decrees, they have finally been reunited with their loved ones, and their lives (one hopes!) are no longer in danger.

This is, of course, a happy and encouraging occasion: something that has been in short supply since the start of large-scale aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022. But there is also a bitter side to it. Those who have committed no crimes must not be convicted or pardoned for the “offense” of having the courage to care and fight for their country and a future built on respect for international laws and human rights.

Another disheartening aspect of this story is the fact that several hundred political prisoners are still being kept behind bars for their beliefs in today’s Russia - on trumped-up charges and under unlawful new articles of the criminal code, hastily introduced in support of the war. It is our duty to remember each of them, whether they are high-profile civic activists - such as our colleague Yuri Dmitriev - or relative unknowns who did not want to bend down. There are Ukrainians among them who have fallen into the claws of the Russian judicial system. We must continue writing letters to them, supporting them and drawing attention to their predicament.

This exchange was a tremendous diplomatic achievement, which had taken months to prepare. It is painful to think that Alexey Navalny did not live to that moment and fell victim to the repressive machine. This work must continue as long as political prisoners remain in Russia and Belarus, many of whom are now in mortal danger.

The bad news is that the current Russian government continues its dismantling of modern international law as it saves assassins and criminals from just punishment by “pardoning” people it has taken hostage. And the entire country remains hostage, where any free word is still fraught with the loss of real freedom.

This is why Memorial’s work and struggle - “for your freedom and ours” - continues unabated.