Mr. Putin, Seize This Chance to Release Dissidents
The World Cup is the perfect stage for Russia to show it respects human rights.
A good time to show a friendlier face.
Photographer: Sergei Bobylev/TASS/Getty Images
On Monday, the U.S. State Department called on Russia to release “more than 150” political and religious prisoners. In this political climate, an appeal like that from the U.S. would usually be the best way to ensure they remain behind bars. But the State Department may have picked a good moment: President Vladimir Putin could show largesse by pardoning the prisoners while the eyes of the world are on Russia and the World Cup.
The Russian human rights group Memorial, which maintains the most complete roster of Russian prisoners of conscience, published an updated version of its list on June 14, when the first World Cup game was played in Moscow. “Soccer is a game played by fair rules,” the group said. “It’s impossible to play fair while disrespecting human rights, fighting dissidence and tossing opponents behind bars.”