“Anyone can find themselves in prison …”

6 February 201818 August 2025 / editors (JC)

"After we'd recovered from the excitement of Yury Dmitriev's release" (see 28 January interview) "I thought of more questions I wanted to ask him, though these still do not exhaust my list," writes Anna Yarovaya. Yury Dmitriev (photo, Sophia Pankevich) "I tried not to repeat anything. I particularly like the passage about his beard: the … Continue reading “Anyone can find themselves in prison …”

“My Work Is To Restore Memory” (Yury Dmitriev)

2 February 20184 March 2018 / editors (JC)

"In the detention centre where I was held, everything strictly followed the regulations: a step to the left, a step to the right—means practically being shot on the spot. My rights were not violated inasmuch as I’m a pliant person. They give me a bunk and I lie down,” Yury Dmitriev recounts. “But twice they … Continue reading “My Work Is To Restore Memory” (Yury Dmitriev)

After Dmitriev’s release: a first interview

30 January 20189 December 2020 / editors (JC)

YURY DMITRIEV was due to be released from the Petrozavodsk Detention Centre on Sunday, 28 January 2018. Unexpectedly, he arrived home early on Saturday. Anna Yarovaya went to visit him immediately, to learn the details of his release and his plans for the future. Yury Dmitriev, 27 January 2018 (photo, Sergei Markelov) Let’s begin with … Continue reading After Dmitriev’s release: a first interview

Dmitriev and Orwell

26 December 20171 January 2018 / editors (JC)

On Tuesday, 26 December, we were waiting for two reports: one about what happened that day at the Petrozavodsk City Court; the other, an account of a recent investigation into the new row over who is buried at Sandarmokh, and how they died. An excerpt from a long interview with MARIA KARP on Radio Svoboda … Continue reading Dmitriev and Orwell

“Why is Yury Dmitriev on trial?” RFI interviews Irina Flige (excerpt)

16 November 201727 November 2017 / editors (JC)

"Your colleague, Yury Dmitriev, is now on trial in Karelia," asks Radio France Internationale interviewer. "Many link the prosecution to his work for Memorial. What’s your view?" Well, everything in this world is connected, but sometimes there are direct links. In this case that is not exactly true. It would not be correct to say … Continue reading “Why is Yury Dmitriev on trial?” RFI interviews Irina Flige (excerpt)