Politzek – Voices that Defy the Kremlin

A film about Russia’s growing number of political prisoners and the families fighting to get them back.

Politzek is the informal name given to political prisoners in Russia, of which there are more and more every day. After the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalnyj in February 2024, the persecution of critics of the system has only intensified in Russia. The slightest expression of criticism toward the regime and the war in Ukraine can have catastrophic consequences. Many dissidents now live in fear of being arrested and taken away from their families. This film follows the people who are fighting to get their loved ones back.

The documentary shows how regime critics, theater directors, artists and others are put on trial and sentenced on minimal grounds. But it’s not only public figures being gagged. The film also depicts children as young as 14 being imprisoned and sent to penal colonies hundreds of kilometers away, solely for sharing opinions on social media.

Politzek is a powerful documentary and an important testimony to the brave people in Putin’s Russia who stand up for what they believe in.

After the screening on March 6, there will be a conversation with:

• Oleg Orlov, former political prisoner in Russia, one of the leaders of the human rights organization Memorial, main character in the film and Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2022
• Ales Bialiatski, former political prisoner in Belarus, head of the human rights center Viasna and Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2022
• Manon Loizeau, director of Politzek
• Sasha Koulaeva, co-author of Politzek
• Moderator: Berit Lindeman, Secretary General at The Norwegian Helsinki Committee

In cooperation with The Norwegian Helsinki Committee.