Summary of GLOBSEC Chat - Russia, Free?
Summary
In the GLOBSEC Chat titled "Russia, Free?", Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent Russian opposition politician recently released from prison, shares his harrowing experiences of incarceration and the political climate in Russia. He describes his release as surreal, likening it to a Hollywood action movie, and emphasizes the importance of international support for political prisoners in Russia.
Kara-Murza recounts his decision to stay in Russia during the Ukraine invasion, driven by a belief that Russian politicians should resist the dictatorship from within. He highlights the extreme censorship in Russia, which has left many citizens unaware of the realities of the war in Ukraine. He stresses that the majority of Russians do not support the invasion due to a lack of access to objective information, pointing out that the oppressive regime controls the media and stifles dissent.
He shares details of his arrest on April 11, 2022, after speaking out against the war and political repression. Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years for five public speeches criticizing the government, including topics like the war and political murders. He reflects on the broader implications of his imprisonment, noting that the number of political prisoners in Russia has increased significantly, particularly those opposing the war.
Kara-Murza also discusses the international efforts made to secure his release, including outreach from figures like Bill Browder and Julian Glover to the U.S. government. He reveals the moment he realized he was being released and describes the surreal experience of being transported to an airport and then flown to Turkey for a prisoner exchange.
He emphasizes the need for continued advocacy for those still imprisoned in Russia and expresses gratitude for the support he received from the international community. The conversation touches on the ongoing repression in Russia and the importance of raising awareness about the plight of political prisoners.
Presenters/Contributors
- Kim Doia
- Vladimir Kara-Murza
Notable Quotes
— 01:08 — « I was certain I was going to die in that Siberian prison. »
— 05:32 — « In order to support or not support something you have to know about it and also you have to not be afraid of the consequences of speaking out. »
— 08:08 — « It is much easier to intimidate someone to pressure someone to torture someone in silence and in a vacuum than it is when people are paying attention. »
— 24:44 — « This was definitely an upgrade; this was a Five Star by the Russian prison system. »
— 36:10 — « The president of the United States is waiting to speak to you. »
Category
News and Commentary