“When I was sitting in that 2×3 cell in solitary confinement in Siberia, I cannot tell you how important it was to receive letters every day – they carry so much hope. It can make the difference between surviving or not. Please write to political prisoners.” – Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian opposition leader and former political prisoner. In recognition of the Day of Political Prisoners on October 30, the World Movement for Democracy, the National Endowment for Democracy, and Freedom House, co-hosted two panel discussions to raise awareness on the growing issue of political prisoners around the world. Along with Vladimir Kara-Murza, Evgenia Kara-Murza of Russia, Hisham Kassem of Egypt, and Jose Carlos Zamora of Guatemala underscored the urgent need to strengthen the global collective voice to advocate for political prisoners’ release. This discussion was part of the World Movement’s #SetThemFree campaign, which works to build international solidarity with political prisoners and their families.

Watch the full discussion here.