Freed Russian Political Prisoners Demand Release of Over 1,000 Incarcerated Amid Rising Repression

Freed Russian political prisoners urged for the release of over 1,000 still incarcerated, as U.N. expert Mariana Katzarova described worsening state repression. Highlighting their plight, Russian opposition figures and activists emphasized the urgency of international pressure to ensure justice and human rights.

Freed Russian political prisoners on Tuesday made an urgent appeal for the release of more than 1,000 others still incarcerated. A U.N. expert highlighted the significant worsening of state repression in Russia, which is endangering lives. At a meeting of diplomats and rights groups at the U.N. in Geneva, the prisoners, freed in August including U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, called for increased international pressure.

Russian officials claim that the West exaggerates the extent of repression in Russia. Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition politician recently freed from a Siberian penal colony, urged remembrance of those still imprisoned under harsh conditions. His sentiment was echoed by Kevin Lik, a German-Russian national, who spoke emotionally about his solitary confinement experience.

Earlier, U.N. Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova reported that oppression had intensified post-Ukraine war, marking a rise to over 1,300 political prisoners, many jailed on dubious charges. Katzarova, relying on information from various independent sources, underscored the urgent need for addressing the ongoing human rights violations in Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)