New fundraiser raises money for warm clothes for political prisoners in Russia’s frigid Far North

A new fundraising initiative aims to provide warm clothing for political prisoners residing in Russia's cold Far North. Prisoners are given uniforms, but the garments are often subpar and ill-fitting. Russia's penal system does not supply thermal underwear. For political prisoners, having adequate, high-quality clothing is crucial for their daily routines.

The "You Are Not Alone" campaign has initiated a fundraising drive to acquire warm attire for these inmates. For prisoners in penal colonies, funds will be allocated towards: mittens, gloves, socks, thermal underwear, warm insoles, tights for women, and shawls or headscarves for women in colonies that permit such items. The list varies slightly for those in pretrial detention centers, who are not forced to work outdoors but still face cold environments.

Suitable items for them include warm shoes, socks, tights, thermal underwear, sweaters without drawstrings, hats, jackets and down coats, mittens, gloves, and warm insoles. A modest €3 donation can purchase thermal insoles for a political prisoner. An €10 contribution can buy mittens or gloves, while €50 can fund a set of warm shoes.

The campaign is not restricted to a singular donation; it encourages ongoing contributions through recurring donations to sustain support for political prisoners. The fundraiser does not accept ruble-denominated card donations and advises travelers to Russia not to contribute. At Meduza, they prioritize transparency regarding the utilization of artificial intelligence in their newsroom.

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