Former political prisoner Kevin Lik, freed in prisoner swap one year ago, publicly tears up his Russian passport

Former political prisoner Kevin Lik, who was freed from a Russian prison in the historic prisoner swap between Moscow and multiple Western countries one year ago, tore up his Russian passport at a press conference in Cologne, Germany, on Friday, according to the outlet Sotavision.

Lik first tried to burn his passport, but was unable to because of the wind.

“I’m not cutting ties with Russia, but I don’t want to be a citizen of a country that tortures so many people,” he said. “Still, I see my future in helping rebuild ties between Germany and Russia — ties that might be possible again in the distant future.” Lik holds German citizenship in addition to Russian citizenship.

Human right advocate Oleg Orlov, who was also released as part of last year’s swap, said Lik’s torn-up passport would be preserved for a future Memorial museum that will be opened in Russia when circumstances allow.

“Unlike Kevin, who did this foolish thing, I intend to return to Russia, and of course, the Memorial museum will be in Russia,” Orlov said.

According to Deutsche Welle, the press conference was held near the Cologne Bonn Airport. In addition to Orlov and Lik, participants included Vadim Ostanin, Navalny’s former campaign head in Barnaul; politician Andrey Pivovarov; cycling activist German Moises; and political scientist Demuri (Dieter) Voronin.