Meduza joins other independent outlets and Anti-Corruption Foundation to host third annual fundraiser for Russian political prisoners

On June 12, a number of independent Russian media outlets — including Meduza, TV Rain, Mediazona, and HelpDesk — are joining the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) to host the third annual “You Are Not Alone” fundraiser in support of political prisoners in Russia.

The campaign will feature a 12-hour live broadcast from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Moscow time. It will stream on the organizers’ websites, on the TV Rain television channel, and on the YouTube channels Popular Politics and Navalny Live. Guests will include independent journalists, bloggers, Russian opposition figures, politicians, and human rights activists.

Proceeds will be used to help Russian political prisoners and their families with essential expenses — from food and medicine to legal defense and travel for prison visits.  

This year, “You Are Not Alone” will also include volunteer-led events in more than 30 countries including rallies, marches, and letter-writing evenings for political prisoners. You can find one in your area here (the information is in Russian).

People facing political persecution in Russia — and their families — need your support. If you live outside Russia, please consider contributing to the fundraiser here. Because it’s not safe for people inside Russia to donate, support from abroad is essential.

“You Are Not Alone” is more than just the June 12 broadcast. As in previous years, the fundraiser will continue through the summer. For example, a memorial concert for Alexey Navalny will take place in Berlin on June 28. And on June 7, the FBK raised 1.9 million rubles ($24,165) during a live-streamed badminton match on the Navalny Live YouTube channel.

Last year’s campaign raised over 24 million rubles ($305,248) on June 12 alone. By the end of the year, the total had surpassed 45 million rubles ($572,352). In 2024, 7,900 people donated, with 1,033 signing up for recurring contributions. More than 300 political prisoners and their families received support — and over 100 of them now receive regular assistance thanks to ongoing donations.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, nearly 20,000 people have been detained for anti-war protests, according to the human rights group OVD-Info. At least 1,171 individuals have faced criminal charges, and more than 11,000 misdemeanor cases have been opened under laws against “discrediting” the Russian military.