The United Nations human rights experts are calling for the release of hundreds more political prisoners following the recent large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia, the United States, and other Western nations.
“Between 700 and 1,372 individuals remain incarcerated in Russia on false or politically motivated charges,” according to a joint statement released on Friday by experts working for the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The group commended the release of 16 individuals who had been imprisoned for their activities as journalists, artists, opposition members, or activists.
In return, 10 people were handed over to Russia, including a convicted murderer and spies.
“The Russian government must immediately and unconditionally release all remaining political prisoners,” the UN declared.
