Forum discusses solidarity with Russian political prisoners

A film screening was held in Naarm/Melbourne on November 1 to highlight the plight of Russian political prisoners and their families. The film features statements from the families of Russian political prisoners. 

It was part of the Freedom Zone festival, organised to raise awareness and support for Russian political prisoners. This was the first event the organisation has held in Australia.

The film was introduced by Petr Kuzmin, who was born in Russia and now lives in Naarm. He told the audience that repression has intensified since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He said people can be imprisoned for up to 15 years for criticising the war. 

Freedom Zone said that people in Russia are “going to prison for a social media post, a donation, a hand-written sign, or for saying out loud they are against the war”. 

It said at least 1680 people are being held as political prisoners, and more than 5500 people had been detained on politically motivated and unlawful grounds. 

After the film, a video discussion was held with several family members of prisoners. One of those who featured in the film and joined the discussion was Kseniia Kagarlitskaya, daughter of well-known socialist writer and activist Boris Kagarlitsky, who was imprisoned for his anti-war views. 

Kagarliskaya asked the audience to write to prisoners and donate to a fundraiser. The money is being used to support families, pay for lawyers and send parcels to prisoners. 

[Send a letter, or donate to the fundraiser, here.]