Russian Political Prisoners Recall Shocking Prison Swap: ‘Talk, Go in Bag’

Sasha Skochilenko, a 33-year-old St. Petersburg artist, was unexpectedly taken from her prison cell to Moscow and then flown to Cologne, Germany, as part of a historic prisoner exchange between Russia and the West. She described the experience as feeling like she was being taken out to be shot. Skochilenko was one of the 16 journalists, dissidents, and rights activists released in the exchange.

The exchange was shrouded in secrecy, with many prisoners and their families kept in the dark until the last minute. Russian officials worked hard to prevent any information from leaking out, even to the prisoners themselves. As a result, many were caught off-guard by the sudden turn of events.

For the families of the released prisoners, the news brought a sense of relief, but also new complications. Some are now considering leaving Russia altogether, while others are left reeling from the abrupt changes in their loved ones’ situations.

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