Write to Russian political prisoners

Total isolation. Horrendous conditions. Violence. This is what political prisoners face in Russia on a daily basis. Over 1500 are languishing in jails across Russia. Isolation is especially hard for prisoners, this is why the key thing jailed dissidents ask for is letters. As the recently exchanged dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza put it, «You have no idea how much warmth this little piece of paper gives.» Unfortunately, hundreds of jailed dissidents outside of the media spotlight don’t get any letters.

We want to change this. We want all political prisoners to receive letters. On this platform we will assign you a random prisoner to write to and give you all the details you need about their case. Just write a letter, and we’ll take care of the rest — free of charge. Plus, we’ll email you any responses we get.

Sadly, we can’t reach everyone. About a third of those in prison are in places where we don’t have their addresses or their identities can’t be shared. Some also want to remain anonymous. Fill out this form to get a pen pal assigned.