On September 23, Andrei Pivovarov, the St Petersburg politician and head of the Kostroma branch of the Parnas opposition political party, turns 34-years-old. Pivovarov was arrested in Kostroma on trumped up charges. This is the first year that he will celebrate his birthday in prison.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky sent Pivovarov the following birthday greetings.

“Dear Andrei,

Happy birthday!

We all worry about you but we believe in your courage and patience.

I am sure that this ordeal will not last long.

Good luck!

Mikhail Khodorkovsky”

As part of its ongoing work to safeguard and promote human rights in Russia, Open Russia actively supports Andrei Pivovarov, who was recognised as a political prisoner by the human rights group Memorial.

You can also support Pivovarov and send him a letter (in Russian) here.