UN: Russia must immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners

(Patria) - UN human rights experts call for the release of several hundred more political prisoners, following a mass prisoner exchange between Russia, the USA and other Western countries, reports dpa agency.

Between 700 and 1,372 people are still being held in custody in Russia on false or politically motivated charges, according to a joint statement released yesterday by experts from the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The group welcomed the release of 16 journalists, artists, opposition members or activists. In return, 10 people were handed over to Russia, including a convicted murderer and spies.

"The Russian government must immediately and unconditionally release all remaining political prisoners," the UN human rights group called.