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Impromptu

Surviving Putin's gulag: Vladimir Kara-Murza tells his story

Aug 14, 2024
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and advocate for free speech, shares his harrowing experience of surviving imprisonment in Russia. He discusses the emotional challenges of returning to normal life after the gulag and the ongoing fight for political prisoners. Kara-Murza reflects on how his faith, historical knowledge, and admiration for dissidents fueled his resilience during captivity. He also describes the oppressive realities of life in Omsk and the surreal moment of receiving the Pulitzer Prize while in solitary confinement.
42:48

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Quick takeaways

  • Vladimir Kara-Murza's reflections on his harrowing imprisonment reveal the psychological toll faced by political prisoners and their families.
  • He advocates for sustained international pressure to support political prisoners, emphasizing the collective responsibility to fight against authoritarian regimes.

Deep dives

The Journey of Release

Vladimir Karamorza’s recent release from Russian prison marks a significant moment in the struggle for press freedom and human rights. Imprisoned for 25 years after being convicted of treason for opposing Putin's regime and speaking out against the war in Ukraine, Karamorza's journey highlights the harsh realities faced by political prisoners. His release was part of a large international prisoner exchange, the most significant since the Cold War, reflecting a growing global awareness and activism against authoritarian regimes. Karamorza expressed profound gratitude towards those who campaigned for political prisoners, emphasizing the importance of continuous advocacy for those still imprisoned under oppressive circumstances.

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