Global Movement: Writing Letters to Political Prisoners Gains Momentum as Russians Unite for Change
With dissent stifled, some Russians help political prisoners by writing them letters of support
TALLINN, Estonia AP — Margarita, a 33-year-old event planner in St. Petersburg, found herself disheartened and yearning to make a difference upon hearing about the prison death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. However, she hesitated to organize a protest in Russia's increasingly oppressive environment, where even the slightest dissent can lead to imprisonment.
Her response came when she discovered a call from activists urging people to write letters to female political prisoners for International Women's Day on March 8. Seeing this as a safe and straightforward way to express support for those incarcerated for their beliefs, she bought postcards for herself and others, turning what seemed like a small gesture into a significant act amid the growing number of political prisoners.
This movement has garnered attention not only from those too intimidated to participate in street protests within Russia but also from Russians who fled the country due to President Vladimir Putin's escalating crackdown on dissent. Putin, seeking another term in the upcoming election, has intensified efforts to suppress opposition.
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Journalist and prisoner rights activist Zoya Svetova describes the letter-writing campaign as a "huge movement" and a form of resistance. Russia's oldest rights group, Memorial, notes that the number of political prisoners has surged from 40 in 2014 to nearly 680 this year, with OVD-Info estimating 1,143 individuals behind bars on politically motivated charges.
Political prosecutions escalated after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to the outlawing of public criticism of the war. Many individuals, like Margarita, feel a personal connection to those detained and prosecuted unjustly, emphasizing the importance of receiving support, even from strangers.
Participation varies, with some, like Margarita, quietly engaging in letter-writing with a small group of friends, while others prefer online services used by penal colonies and detention centers. Despite attempts to isolate political prisoners, these services have operated unhindered, facilitating communication between inmates and supporters.
Grassroots organizations, such as "Letters of Freedom," organize letter-writing events and maintain databases of prisoners, their addresses, and interests. Founder Ivan Lyubimov, who spent time in jail for anti-war protests, emphasizes the personal mission of providing support from the outside.
The organization offers guidance on letter writing, addresses, and prison censorship rules, shipping handwritten letters to Russia where volunteers mail them to prisons and relay responses. While it may take around two months, this method is more cost-effective than online services.
Letters of Freedom shares prisoners' responses on social media, promoting thematic campaigns such as New Year's and International Women's Day. The letters, written in Russian without profanity, focus on common, human experiences to connect with the prisoners in their information-deprived environment.
Participants are urged to avoid risky topics, including criticism of authorities and references to the war in Ukraine. The letters aim to fill the information gap for prisoners while providing a positive connection to the outside world.
Organizers emphasize the simplicity of signing postcards for birthday greetings to political prisoners during monthly events. As repression intensifies, the number of participants and organizers has grown, offering a safe avenue to support those affected by the crackdown and providing a sense of purpose to those involved.
Russia's liberal political party Yabloko hosts monthly letter-writing evenings across the country, receiving positive feedback from inmates. Party chairman Nikolai Rybakov highlights the significance of attention from outside the prison walls in enhancing the safety of those inside.
On Feb. 29, Yabloko's Moscow office buzzed with activity as people signed postcards and wrote letters expressing support, health, and care for the imprisoned. Participants believe that attention from the outside world contributes to the free future of Russia, fostering hope and inevitability.
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