In 2015, physicist Valery Selyanin was sentenced to 15 years of strict regime for «treason», although he never had access to state secrets.
«The First Department»* publishes a letter from the scientist.
«Dear friends! On the eve of the New Year celebrations, I want to express words of sincere gratitude and the brightest wishes to those who find the strength and opportunity to support people who, by the will of circumstances, have become the object of ridicule by commissioned mercantilism and the progressing mania of those empowered by the laws of protectionism.
For more than a year now, I have lived with the understanding of how difficult it can be for you, which makes any help from you a subject of high respect in the eyes of an inmate. Personally, for me, your sincere involvement helped to endure the eleventh year of confinement with minimal losses.
As long as I live, I will reverently express words of gratitude to my family and those who provided feasible moral, legal, and material support during the difficult time of my provoked illness and pressures during the rehabilitation period.
Today, for the first time in a long life, I do not even feel a faint hope that the coming year may bring good changes. However, the brightest news always comes unexpectedly and from unknown places. Truly, my little grandchildren believe in miracles in a New Year's way. But together with them, I also want to witness the miracle that so many people are waiting for, that providence cannot remain indifferent to their bright hopes.
With deep gratitude to you, dear friends, for your help and support, and may the Lord help us all».
* Recognized in Russia as a «foreign agent».
Photo: Memorial