talkPast event

Writing Letters to Political Prisoners

On 30 October 2023, ONRS joined the global movement in support of political prisoners.

Writing Letters to Political Prisoners event image

About the talk

On 30 October 2023, ONRS joined the global movement in support of political prisoners.


According to the international human rights organisation Memorial, over 600 individuals in Russia are currently persecuted for their religious or political beliefs. Many have been imprisoned for bravely expressing their opposition to Putin’s war in Ukraine. We stand in deep admiration of their courage and express unwavering solidarity with all victims of repression.

The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on political persecution in Russia and share thoughts and feelings. Attendees participated in writing letters to those held in Russian prisons, offering messages of hope and support. For those unable to write in Russian, assistance was provided to ensure letters were translated and compliant with prison censorship, as correspondence in foreign languages is prohibited by Russian authorities. Additionally, some participants observed a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with the prisoners.

To read the powerful appeal of political prisoners (in Russian), please visit: https://memopzk.org/news/30-oktyabrya-den-politicheskogo-zaklyuchyonnogo/.

This event was a collective act of remembrance, resistance, and solidarity. Together, we affirm: Russia will be free.

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Beyond the Mother Tongue: Kristina Gorcheva-Newberry on her debut novel and Exophony event image