Muratov Calls on Trump’s Negotiators to Seek the Release of Political Prisoners in Russia

Screenshot from a CNN broadcast. Novaya Gazeta

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov has called on US negotiators to raise the issue of releasing political prisoners in meetings with Vladimir Putin, global and Russian human rights media and social networks report.

Speaking on CNN, Dmitry Muratov showed photographs of several Russian political prisoners and appealed to US representatives involved in negotiations with the Russian authorities.

He specifically addressed US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who, according to Muratov, has travelled to Moscow several times.

“Why can’t he ask Putin, with whom he has close relations, to release several political prisoners?” Muratov asked.

He referred to negotiations between Donald Trump’s representative John Coale and the Belarusian authorities, which were followed by the release of hundreds of political prisoners. Muratov urged US negotiators to use diplomatic contacts not only to discuss the war and geopolitics, but also to help secure the freedom of people imprisoned for their political views and peaceful civic activities.

Screenshot from a CNN broadcast. Novaya Gazeta

Among the prisoners Muratov spoke about were theatre director Zhenya Berkovich, former municipal deputy Alexei Gorinov, pianist Pavel Kushnir, who died in custody, paediatrician Nadezhda Buyanova, saxophonist Andrei Shabanov and Ukrainian citizen Alexandra Strilets. Muratov spoke about each of them while showing their photographs on air.

Among the Political Prisoners Are Indigenous Rights Defenders

Political persecution in Russia also affects those who defend the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The photomontage by Indigenous Russia

Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt have been held in pre-trial detention since 17 December 2025. Both women have been charged under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code, concerning participation in the activities of an organization designated as terrorist. Investigators link the case to the “Aborigen Forum,” an informal network of Indigenous experts and activists.

Daria Egereva is a Selkup Indigenous rights defender who has participated in UN processes on Indigenous Peoples and climate change. Natalia Leongardt has worked for many years to defend the rights of Indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East.

On 10 September 2026, a Moscow court extended their pre-trial detention until 9 December. By then, both women will have spent almost a year in custody without a verdict.

Their prosecution has already prompted international concern. UN Special Procedures have called on Russia to end the prosecution and release Daria and Natalia. Human rights and environmental organizations have also repeatedly called for their release.

For the international solidarity campaign, the issue now goes beyond a single criminal case. It raises the question of whether peaceful work defending Indigenous rights, participation in international processes and publicly expressing one’s views can become grounds for prolonged imprisonment.

Muratov put the broader issue to those who currently have the opportunity to speak with the Russian authorities: if diplomatic negotiations can help secure the release of political prisoners, their freedom should be part of those negotiations.

Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt remain in detention. Their case continues to require not only legal defence, but also sustained international attention.

Sevr Nuu

Free Daria and Natalia!