On February 7, 2014, the XXII Winter Olympic Games will begin in the Russian city of Sochi. The lead up to the Games has shone a spotlight on Russia and the country’s human rights record.
Since his re-election, President Vladimir Putin has signed laws and instituted measures that restrict the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.
Since Putin announced his intention to return to the Presidency, thousands of people have attended protests all over Russia, and hundreds have been arrested and prosecuted simply for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
While six prisoners of conscience were released following the latest amnesty law on December 18, 2013 and a presidential pardon, many still remain behind bars.
Seven days before Sochi, here are seven prisoners of conscience who have yet to be released – and what you can do about it.
Mikhail Kosenko
Stepan Zimin
Alexei Polikhovich
Denis Lutskevich
Sergei Krivov
Yaroslav Belousov
Artiom Saviolov
Please take action on behalf of these seven prisoners of conscience and call for their release.