A person is considered a political prisoner if:
- The arrest violates the basic guarantees of the European Convention on Human Rights, especially the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, freedom of expression, and information, as well as freedom of assembly and association.
- The arrest is imposed solely for political reasons.
- The terms or conditions of detention are not proportional to the gravity of the crime.
- The arrest carries a discriminatory character compared to other people in similar situations
- The imprisonment was the result of judicial proceedings that were manifestly unfair and politically motivated.
What to write about
You might consider writing about nature, films, books, travel, or a new job. For someone in confinement, it’s important to stay informed, feel vivid emotions, and engage with topics that spark conversation. Receiving postcards or photos sent from afar is always a joy.
If you’re hoping for a reply, asking questions can be a great way to spark a conversation and build a connection. You could start by talking about your everyday life: introduce yourself and share a little about your daily life—who you are, and what you enjoy doing. Maybe you’d like to describe a film you recently watched, a sunny morning, a flock of pigeons fluttering near the subway, or how you got lost in an unfamiliar neighbourhood.
If you’d like to include current events, you can find curated news for prisoners on Zekletter by Novaya Gazeta:
🔗Curated News
If you’d like to include a photo, you might enjoy this beautiful collection shared by a talented Montreal photographer:
📷Photo Collection
What not to write about
It’s best to avoid discussing details of the criminal case, as doing so could lead to unintended consequences. About the circumstances of the criminal case. It can harm. Keep in mind that letters may end up with the investigator.
Your letter will be read by a censor, so consider your words carefully
Avoid including:
- Information that could obstruct the establishment of the truth in a criminal case
- Content that may encourage or facilitate criminal activity
- Ciphered or encrypted messages
- State secrets or other legally protected confidential information
- Offensive language, insults, or threats
- Emoticons or emojis
- Calls for extremism, terrorism, or actions against the constitutional order
- Copies of published literary works
Do not write anything that could harm you or your family members in Russia. Equally dangerous information and statements can harm a political prisoner: their fate entirely depends on the employee of the Federal Penitentiary Service who reads your letter.
There is no explicit political censorship in pretrial detention centers and colonies – at least, not as a general rule. So you can write about what is happening in the country and the world, and your own attitude to it.
Avoid taking pity on the prisoner, as phrases like ‘I dared not write to you for a long time’ or ‘we are so worried’ may feel annoying.
Similarly, the phrase ‘hang on’ is often disliked by prisoners and their families.
As Anarchist Alexei Sutuga’s mother, Olga Nikolaevnа, always answered: “I’m not hanging on, I’m fighting.”
Why write to political prisoners
Support
Sending letters is a simple and powerful way to express moral support and show solidarity with those enduring harsh and restrictive conditions.
Inform
This initiative brings attention to the increasingly alarming situation of political prisoners in Russia. Your letters not only raise awareness beyond prison walls but also bring light, news, and a vital sense of connection to those incarcerated.
Protect
Letters help increase the safety of detainees. When prison authorities are aware that someone is watching, they are less likely to misuse their power. Without outside support, prisoners are far more vulnerable to mistreatment.
Letter-Writing Guide
Start with a greeting
Write something like “Hello”
We recommend starting your letter with the following phrase: “I hope that you are being treated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the detention center.”
Introduce yourself
Write a few sentences about yourself: who you are and why you are writing this letter. Don’t hesitate to be yourself: a political prisoner may appreciate your communication style.
Write about yourself and your views
Share a little about how you first learned about the political prisoner and your thoughts on the political situation in the country—keeping in mind that the letter must pass censorship. This can help strengthen the bond between you.
Express support and solidarity
Do it as best you can. Let them know that you are aware of them and that you support their struggle for freedom and rights. They are not alone in their persecution, and it’s important for them to remember that.
Share news and events
Anything works, whether it is a joke seen on social media, memes, or a recently read book. If you’ve heard about news or events that might be of interest to the political prisoner, share them. Remember – not all of them have access to things like independent press or YouTube.
Good Practices
In an environment where everything feels dull, political prisoners especially appreciate colour. Don’t hesitate to send them bright postcards, drawings, stickers, or photos.
Date and number your letters! This helps the recipient track how long they took to arrive and whether any have gone missing
How to Send a Letter
There are several platforms you can use to write to political prisoners in Russia. Please choose the one that works best for your language, location, and preferences.
Free Options (Donations Welcome)
LettersNow.org — by OVD-Info
Write letters in English or Russian. Your message is printed and sent by volunteers in Russia. You can write to a random recipient or find a specific person.
Your personal information is NOT shared with the prison system.
Memorial-France.org — by Memorial France
Write in French to support individual prisoners.
Ideal for French speakers
Your personal information is NOT shared with the prison system.
Paid Option (Direct to Prison)
PrisonMail.online
Official service of the Russian prison system.
Write in Russian only. Payment is required via international or local (e.g. Canadian) bank cards.
Use only if you are comfortable navigating the official Russian system.
Notes:
- All letters are subject to censorship. Censors will read your letter.
- Do not include sensitive personal data or political opinions that could endanger the prisoner or yourself.
- Always date and number your letters.
- We recommend starting your letter with the following phrase: “I hope that you are being treated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the detention center.”
This document is based on the following sources:
Antiwar Prosecutions: An OVD-Info Guide (English)
Table with data from a wide variety of political prisoners (Project “Tales and Stories for Political Prisoners”) (Russian)
Instruction from human rights organization OVD-info on how to write letters to political prisoners (Russian)
Instructions from the project “Letters of freedom” (Russian)
Project “Tales and Stories for Political Prisoners” (Russian)
Instructions from “Memorial France” (French)