Kremlin Frees Outspoken Critic in Major Prisoner Swap

One of Russia's most prominent critics, journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, was released from prison as part of a major East-West prisoner exchange. Kara-Murza, a contributing columnist for the Washington Post*,* had been sentenced to 25 years on treason charges, which many denounced as a way to silence his dissidence.

Their brutal ordeal is over, and they are free. - U.S. President Joe Biden

The exchange included the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

Who is Vladimir Kara-Murza?

• British-Russian journalist and long-time critic of the Kremlin
• Born in Moscow, he held British citizenship since his teens ^1
• Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for commentary "written under great personal risk"

Kara-Murza was an outspoken dissident, repeatedly condemning Russia's war in Ukraine and calling for sanctions against Moscow. He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dictatorial rule and has faced retribution as a result.

Arrest and Imprisonment

• Kara-Murza was arrested in 2022, two months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, for criticizing the Kremlin's actions.
• He was later charged with treason over his speeches, including one to the Arizona House of Representatives, and sentenced to 25 years in a maximum-security prison in Siberia. ^2
• Kara-Murza suffered from a nerve disorder after surviving two poisoning attempts. ^3
• Despite his imprisonment, he continued to write, describing his anticipation of a further criminal trial and facing additional charges. ^4

The prisoner swap marks a rare moment of cooperation between Russia and its geopolitical adversaries and highlights the ongoing risks faced by journalists and critics of oppressive regimes.