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The National Democratic Institute (NDI) welcomes the release today of sixteen people unjustly imprisoned by the Russian government, including U.S. journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, businessman Paul Whelan, and U.S. permanent resident Vladimir Kara-Murza – an NDI Democracy Awardee (2023) and a longtime advocate for freedom in Russia. We also welcome the freedom of seven Russians wrongfully detained by their own government for peaceful civic and political activities.
NDI applauds the tireless efforts of Administration officials, and bipartisan democracy champions in the U.S. Congress, for this achievement. The release of these brave individuals also highlights the value of democratic solidarity – the United States, acting in concert with democratic partners and allies, won the release not only of its own citizens but also of German citizens, and of Russians who have been working for freedom for their own country.
As we celebrate the freedom of these brave men and women, and honor their courage and resilience, we are reminded that hundreds of political prisoners remain detained at the hands of the Russian government. We call for the release of all remaining political dissidents.
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