Free Russia Foundation is overjoyed at the release of several heroic Russians unjustly imprisoned by the Kremlin. We also celebrate the freeing of American and German hostages of Putin’s regime. These brave men and women have endured immense hardship for their commitment to democracy and human rights. Many of these people are our colleagues and close personal friends.
As we embrace this momentous occasion, we must remember that hundreds more remain behind bars in Russia under false politically-motivated charges. The Putin regime continues to operate with impunity, violating fundamental human rights and suppressing dissent at home and internationally. Free Russia Foundation condemns these crimes and reaffirms its commitment to end the regime’s abuses.
Today’s breakthrough is the result of years of tireless advocacy efforts by numerous governments, organizations and individuals, toward which Free Russia Foundation is proud to have contributed.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to partners whose work has been instrumental in achieving the release of our colleague Vladimir Kara-Murza and others. These include the National Endowment for Democracy, the McCain Institute, Freedom House, the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights, the Global Justice Magnitsky Campaign, the Human Rights Foundation, Human Rights First, the George W. Bush Institute, and the Ronald Reagan Institute. Their unwavering commitment to justice and human rights is deeply inspiring.
Free Russia Foundation pledges to intensify its efforts to bring about the release of all political prisoners of the Kremlin, without exception. We will not rest until every individual unjustly detained for their political beliefs or civic actions is free. This includes thousands of Ukrainian citizens kidnapped by Putin’s military from Ukraine and kept in Russian prisons, frequently in secret and incommunicado.
This is a big victory in an epic battle that is far from over. We call on the international community to maintain pressure on the Putin regime and to support the cause of freedom and democracy in Russia.