Today, hundreds of teenagers in Russia are imprisoned for political reasons.

Young people who should be starting their lives — studying, falling in love, making plans for the future.

Instead, they face prison cells, isolation, and separation from their families.

Graduation happens behind bars.

Turning eighteen happens in a penal colony.

Behind cold legal language are not real “criminal cases,” but broken lives.

Fear they cannot show.

Loneliness that stretches through endless days and nights.

Uncertainty that makes it hard to breathe.

Letters become their only lifeline to the outside world — small proof that they have not disappeared, that they are not forgotten.

Instead of classrooms — interrogations.

Instead of walks — prison cells.

While their peers are choosing universities and building their futures, these teenagers are learning how to survive in prison.

Free the Youth is an international campaign supporting young people imprisoned by Putin’s regime.

We raise awareness worldwide about their stories and call on you to help — by sharing their stories or making a donation.

Legal defense, care packages, contact with families, psychological support — these are the things that keep them going.

In many cases, these young people are prosecuted under “terrorism” charges and held in especially harsh conditions — both physically and psychologically — often in isolation and extreme cold.

According to Parubets Analytics (April 2026), at least 348 young people in Russia are currently imprisoned or persecuted.

You can help

Even a small contribution sends a powerful message:

“You are not alone.”

It brings human warmth to places where almost none remains.

And it is these small acts that create the strength they need to endure.

Stand with young political prisoners in Russia. Support them today.

Participants