The letter of imprisoned Russian journalist Ivan Safronov: 'Like Jean Valjean, I know what captivity is, and I know how to cherish freedom'
- Posted on October 9, 2026
- By Le Monde
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
Ivan Safronov, a Russian journalist imprisoned since 2020 on charges widely regarded as politically motivated, finds solace in classic literature while confined in a Siberian detention facility. His reflective correspondence published in Le Monde draws parallels between his own struggle for freedom and Victor Hugo's iconic protagonist Jean Valjean. Through rereading Les Misérables, Safronov explores themes of captivity, resilience, and the enduring power of literature to sustain the human spirit during periods of persecution and isolation.
Summary auto-generated by AI from the original publisher's content. Editorial standards.
The letter of imprisoned Russian journalist Ivan Safronov: 'Like Jean Valjean, I know what captivity is, and I know how to cherish freedom'
Safronov, a prisoner of conscience who was arrested in 2020 and is now detained in Siberia, turns to literature as a lifeline. He recently reread Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. Here is the letter he sent to Le Monde about this classic.
