Exiled Dissidents Eye Further Prisoner Swaps with Russia

Oleg Orlov, a veteran rights campaigner freed from a Russian penal colony, has discussed potential future prisoner exchanges. This comes shortly after a significant swap between Russia and the West. Orlov has vowed to continue his activism from exile, despite his unwilling departure from Russia.

Oleg Orlov, a veteran rights campaigner recently released from a Russian penal colony, has revealed discussions about potential future prisoner exchanges. He spoke in Berlin, marking his first press conference since his release as part of a major swap between Russia and the West.

The 71-year-old dissident mentioned in Berlin that he and others freed had discussed the possibility of future exchanges to secure the release of more colleagues prior to their arrival in Germany. However, Orlov emphasized the need for confidentiality in these discussions.

This followed last week's deal, which saw Russia regain eight prisoners from the West while 16 Western detainees were freed from Russian and Belarusian jails. Rights campaigners highlight that hundreds, including those in poor health, remain imprisoned in Russia. Orlov is committed to continuing his work from exile.

(With inputs from agencies.)