Activists Ask Medvedev to Pardon “Political Prisoners”
President Dmitry Medvedev has received a letter signed by 21 Russian Human Rights activists and cultural leaders asking him to finish his term on a positive note by pardoning a list of 39 “political prisoners” including Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev reports RIA Novosti.
According to the “For Human Rights” website, the letter said, “An act of mercy would be a glorious end to your presidential term, thanks to which you would remain in the memory of Russians and the international community as a magnanimous person.”
Medvedev has declined to pardon Khodorkovsky and Lebedev because they have both refused to appeal for one.
RIA Novosti has been told by one signatory of the letter who is a renowned Russian lawyer that an appeal from “very many famous people” could sway the president’s decision.
Yabloko opposition party member Valery Borshchyov said, “This could be viewed as an appeal. I hope the president takes the opportunity.”
Human Rights activist Lev Ponomaryov said, “We have sent our address to the president by fax. We are grateful to those cultural figures who supported our proposals.”
Other signatories of the letter include members of the Kremlin’s rights council, activists, and popular writers.
