Support Alexander Skobov: Write to a Political Prisoner in Russia

Alexander Skobov: A Political Prisoner in Russia

Alexander Skobov is a notable political prisoner in Russia. In the 1970s and 1980s, he faced compulsory treatment in psychiatric hospitals twice. His first hospitalization was due to his role as an editor of samizdat. The second time, he was punished for writing slogans supporting political prisoners on walls in Leningrad.

In a letter from pre-trial detention, Skobov wrote about the isolation he felt. He stated, “We were left alone for a long time. The reasoning being: we’ll die out on our own. Or we’ll leave and live out the rest of our lives off the once acquired (quite deservedly) political and moral capital.” He expressed concern for younger individuals who were impacted by the situation.

Skobov actively engages in correspondence while in detention. He discusses various philosophical and political issues. His letters are even published in historical journals. Skobov welcomes arguments and disagreements in letters. His wife requests that letters be written in 18 sans serif font because Skobov has difficulty seeing his own writing. He drafts replies on used paper and then copies them to reply forms.

How to Write to Alexander Skobov

Address:
167028, г. Сыктывкар, поселок Верхний Чов, д. 99, ФКУ СИЗО-1 УФСИН России по Республике Коми. Скобову Александру Валерьевичу 1957 года рождения.

Please write letters in Russian to ensure they pass through prison censors. You can also send letters online using PrisonMail.

If you prefer to write in English, you can use Letters Across Borders and Lifeline. These are projects by OVD–Info, a media and human rights defense group.

Engage with Skobov. Your letters can provide him with valuable support and encouragement.