“Hi all!
July 7 – exactly 2 years from the beginning of my story and exactly the same time that I have been living in the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center on charges of something I did not commit. What can I say? These were not the easiest years of my life. I was torn out of my usual circle, deprived of the opportunity to communicate with family and friends, deprived of the opportunity to hear the voices of friends… Yes, I was deprived of a lot of things, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I want to say that I managed not only to save, but also to acquire. First of all, I saved myself. He endured something that not everyone could withstand. He didn’t allow himself to be crushed. Maintained reputation. I didn’t incriminate myself. Didn’t slander others. I felt the support of my family and loved ones. I heard kind words from strangers. Met incredible people. I saw those who, with clear eyes, defended their rightness, despite the monstrous deadline. I saw those who rented out their friends and relatives in the hope of getting less. I spent months in solitary confinement. I was in a punishment cell. I sat with my neighbors. I prepared salads. Ate gruel. Wrote thousands of letters. Read hundreds of books. I was not disappointed in life. I kept faith in people. I haven’t forgotten how to laugh. I keep joking. I refused to equate journalism and espionage: because I worked on the first for 10 years, and I have nothing to do with the second. This has already been proven in court.
In general, I had as much fun as I could =) But seriously, I just want to thank you all for your faith and support. Without you it would be much more difficult and worse, but with you it would be easier and simpler =) Thank you! All together – and each individual.
Sincerely, Vanya Safronov”
“ВЧК ОГПУ”