Press Release, 20.03.2026

Photo: Postcards by artist Sasha Skochilenko, a former political prisoner / Photo by the Yabloko Press Service

Yabloko is continuing its regular action of writing letters to political prisoners. Every month, Yabloko members and all who wish to attend the events at the party’s offices in Moscow and the regions sign postcards and write letters to people who are being held in custody on politically motivated criminal charges. According to human rights defenders, as of 20 March 2026, there are at least 1,450 political prisoners in Russia.

The majority of political prisoners — both those who have already been released and those still serving their “sentences” — frequently speak of how important outside support is to them. Most often, such support takes the form of letters and the sheer number of them: when the administration of a remand prison or penal colony sees that a person is remembered, that people are writing to them, that significant attention is being paid to them, the attitude of the guards and management changes too — for the better, or at least towards something calmer and safer. The content of the letters matters no less, however. Every postcard, every letter, and every line within them is not merely a token of attention, but a symbol of solidarity and of help. Through letters, a political prisoner understands that they are not alone and finds the strength to keep going.

This is why Yabloko regularly holds its actions of writing letters to political prisoners, when people, even those who have no personal acquaintance with political prisoners, can write a few kind and encouraging words, share a story, and make clear that a person has not been forgotten, that they are not alone, and that there is hope.

It should be emphasised that writing to political prisoners is lawful and safe.

Those unable to come to Yabloko offices, can send letters to political prisoners independently using our instructions.

The actions will be held in Yabloko’s regional branches all over Russia from 22 March through to 4 April. The list of the regional branches, addresses and dates are published here and will be updated.