Press statement: Future Memorial on the prisoner exchange between Russia and the West

We are very happy about the release of political prisoners, among them our friend, comrade-in-arms and co-founder of MEMORIAL Oleg Orlov.

Political prisoners in Russian prisons and camps are always in mortal danger. That is why it is so important that at least a few of them are now safe. All this has become possible thanks to the international solidarity campaign and the efforts of many people. The release was not due to the goodwill of the Putin regime. This regime had to do what the West and we fought for together.

‘The release of our colleague is a ray of hope in these dark times. His steadfastness and tireless commitment to justice are an example to us all. Despite our concerns about the modalities of this exchange, today is a day of hope – a sign that commitment and solidarity can bear fruit even in the most difficult times,’ says Irina Scherbakowa, spokesperson for the board of Zukunft MEMORIAL.

Of course, we cannot ignore the fact that every exchange, every negotiation with the Putin regime also means blackmail, inhumanity and cynical manipulation. And we must not forget the political prisoners who are still in Russian prisons, nor those who are being held in the harshest, inhumane conditions in Lukashenko’s prisons.

MEMORIAL was repeatedly harassed by the Russian authorities, categorised as a ‘foreign agent’ in 2016 and finally liquidated two years ago in a politically motivated trial. Due to the threat of persecution, numerous employees had to flee Russia.

Since then, MEMORIAL has continued its work in its international network, including with the association Zukunft MEMORIAL, which was founded in exile in Berlin in 2023.

Contact:
Maria Rajer
Communications and Public Relations Officer Zukunft Memorial e.V.
E-mail: m.rajer@zukunft-memorial.org