Letter-Writing Evening for Ukrainian Prisoners

On February 28 at 6:00 PM, we invite you to take part in a letter-writing evening for Ukrainian prisoners who are being illegally held in Russian prisons.

During the event, participants will be able to explore information cards about political prisoners prepared by the “Prisoners of Conscience” project and read their stories in a language convenient for them: Finnish, English, or Russian. Pens, paper, and postcards will be provided so that you can write words of support to the prisoners. Experienced human rights defenders will explain how to write such letters correctly and safely.

Due to political persecution in Russia, the prisoners — civilian Ukrainians, prisoners of war, and Crimean Tatars — are held in isolation, and their contact with the outside world is severely limited. Every letter reminds them that their struggle matters and that beyond prison walls there are people who remember, support, and respect them.

In addition, Kalevala Day is celebrated in Finland on the same day. In the halls where the letter-writing evening will take place, an exhibition of paintings dedicated to the Karelian epic is currently on display. The works were created in prison by artist Anastasia Djudjaeva, who was imprisoned by Russian authorities for an anti-war action — leaving a postcard with poems about Stepan Bandera in a shop window in St. Petersburg. You will also be able to support the artist by writing her a letter with words of encouragement and your thoughts on her work.

We look forward to seeing you at Kahvila Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8, Helsinki