In a powerful open letter published by Reuters, eleven imprisoned Russian political activists have appealed to world leaders to stand with those persecuted for their beliefs. They claim over 10,000 Russians and Ukrainian civilians are currently jailed for opposing the government or supporting democracy. The letter condemns Russia's repressive legal system, citing over 100 oppressive laws passed between 2012 and 2022. It calls for the unconditional release of ill prisoners and demands an immediate exchange of prisoners of war and civilians caught in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.