Political persecution has deep historical roots in Russia. Repression is once again serving the current regime as a tool of silencing, generating hundreds of political prisoners. Among them are men and women of various ages, pensioners and minors, residents of large cities and rural areas, representatives of various professions from activists and journalists to businessmen, priests and housewives. Their non-violent resistance to the war against Ukraine and the current Russian government is often redeemed by harsh sentences.

According to the Memorial association, there are more than 850 political prisoners in Russian prisons and penal colonies. The Russian human rights organization OVD-Info reports that more than 3,000 Russian and Ukrainian citizens are facing various forms of politically motivated criminal prosecution (data from February 2025).

The exhibition Putin's Cage aims to give a voice to those who disagree with their country's politics and are not afraid to express their opinion. It seeks to draw attention to the fate of those whose freedom the Russian authoritarian regime is trying to suppress. But it also offers a way to support these brave people. The opening on 30 September and the accompanying programme to close the exhibition on 28 October included a workshop of writing letters to the political prisoners in Russia.

More information about the exhibition can be found here.