Press Release, 21.04.2026

In late April – early May, Yabloko will hold its traditional action of writing letters to political prisoners in Moscow and the regions. According to human rights defenders, there are at present no fewer than 1,534 prisoners of conscience in Russia to whom letters can be written by joining a Yabloko action in different cities.

When in custody and isolated, it is easy to lose one’s footing and begin to doubt one’s ideals and principles. Yabloko Deputy Chair Lev Shlosberg — one of many Yabloko members persecuted for their political work — is currently being held in pre-trial detention on a fabricated criminal charge. He describes custody as follows:

“A person in prison, if he wants to preserve himself, to preserve the colours of his world, must shift his focus from the external to the internal. How strong is your inner battery? How much strength has it stored over a lifetime? How long is it prepared to run without being connected to a source of living light? A person cannot know the answers to these questions before prison. Only prison gives the answers.”

It is for this reason that Yabloko regularly holds its letter-writing action — a space where people, even those with no personal acquaintance with political prisoners, can write a few kind and encouraging words, share a story, and make clear that the person has not been forgotten, that they are not alone, and that there is hope.

We emphasise 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 23 April through to 2 May. The list of the regional branches, addresses and dates are published here and will be updated.