The news about Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s release and the amnesty for four of the Bolotnaya prisoners is wonderful, but once again it reminds us that hostages are still behind bars—ordinary people who have had months and years of their lives stolen from them. Think about how you will spend this New Year: with friends and/or loved ones, at home or traveling, with Olivier salad and tangerines, or however you like best. Then imagine how they will spend it. It is hard and painful to think about, but we must. And we must also write them letters, so they know we are thinking of them. It matters enormously to them to understand that they have not been abandoned or forgotten here, on the outside. Let’s all give them a New Year’s gift together. “RosUznik” has received approval for a “New Year Mail” event in support of those arrested in the Bolotnaya case, to be held on December 22 at 2:00 p.m. near the Lermontov monument in Moscow. In the square by Krasnye Vorota, stations will be set up for signing and collecting postcards, and writers, poets, essayists, and journalists will also be there to speak.
It doesn’t take much—just your participation and a few kind words. Believe me, it matters a great deal. Come and write to them. Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/events/586742111394416/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming&source=1 VKontakte: http://vk.com/rosuznikpost There will also be a similar event in St. Petersburg: http://vk.com/spbpochta Please come.