Oleg Orlov's Ongoing Fight for Human Rights Against Putin's Repressions

Human rights advocate Oleg Orlov reflects on the political repression under Vladimir Putin's regime. Recently freed in a major prisoner swap, Orlov vows to continue fighting for political prisoners in Russia, highlighting severe conditions and the importance of international support to combat Putin's repressive tactics.

Oleg Orlov, a human rights activist since the 1980s, thought Russia had turned towards democracy after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the election of a democratic president.

But the rise of Vladimir Putin, who stifled dissent and led an invasion of Ukraine, led to Orlov's imprisonment for opposing the war. After being released in a significant East-West prisoner swap, he was forced into exile, reminiscent of Soviet-era dissidents.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Orlov condemned Putin's repressive measures, which have led to the imprisonment of critics, recalling the severity of Josef Stalin's rule. Orlov remains committed to supporting political prisoners and spotlighting their plight, even as he navigates his new life in exile.

(With inputs from agencies.)