Freed Russian dissident Orlov vows to continue activism

Russian human rights advocate Oleg Orlov, freed as part of a prisoner swap between Russia and Western countries, on Monday vowed to pursue his activism by seeking the release of other political prisoners.

The veteran campaigner is a key figure in the non-governmental organisation Memorial and a co-winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

Now in Germany, he spoke to supporters in a video published by Memorial.

“For me, freedom will above all be about working for Memorial,” the dissident said, adding that he would focus on campaigning for the release of political prisoners.

The 71-year-old was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison in February over his repeated criticism of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.

Earlier in his activist career, Orlov had campaigned against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Unlike many other government critics, Orlov chose to stay in Russia despite the risk of imprisonment.

Memorial investigates human rights violations, aids political prisoners and works to preserve the memory of victims of Soviet repression.

It was formally dissolved by a Russian court in 2021 as part of a widespread crackdown on dissent.

Like other Russian political prisoners released in last week’s exchange, Orlov said he was happy to be free but also bitter about no longer being in Russia to continue his struggle, he told Channel Meduza in an interview on Saturday.

Russia has 765 political prisoners, according to Memorial.

Thousands more people have been threatened or sanctioned for their opposition to the war in Ukraine or the Russian government.

AFP