The Washington Post’s Vladimir Kara-Murza and Jason Rezaian Named Advisory Council Members
Watch the McCain Institute’s event announcing the John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative HERE
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 6, 2025) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) today announced the launch of its newly created John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative (FPPI), which will provide vital support to Americans, green card holders, and dissidents from other nations, who are held overseas as political prisoners or hostages by repressive regimes.
This initiative was announced at a McCain Institute event featuring Russian opposition politician, Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post opinion contributor, and former political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza in conversation with Director of Press Freedom Initiatives at The Washington Post Jason Rezaian. Drawing on their own experiences, both Kara-Murza and Rezaian will serve as members of FPPI’s advisory council.
“The John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative will continue Senator McCain’s legacy of fighting for the freedom and safe return of hostages held by foreign adversaries,” said McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas. “The McCain Institute is proud to welcome Vladimir, Jason, and all of the impressive advisory council members who will help free hostages and political prisoners from evil autocratic regimes.”
FPPI will provide critical support to individual prisoners and their families. This includes outreach to key decision-makers at the highest level of the U.S. government, direct assistance from expert practitioners, strategic communications to galvanize support for the release of prisoners, and post-return support to help individuals reacclimate after their detainment.
Members of the FPPI advisory council include:
- Vladimir Kara-Murza, FPPI advisory council chair and vice president of Free Russia Foundation
- Evgenia Kara-Murza, president of the 30 October Foundation
- Sir William Browder, head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Coalition
- Ambassador Roger Carstens, former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs
- Christian Caryl, journalist and former Washington Post editor
- Liz Cathcart, executive director of Hostage U.S.
- Ryan Fayhee, partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP
- Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, New America Future Security Program fellow and daughter of America’s longest-held hostage
- Siamak Namazi, former Iranian hostage
- Jason Rezaian, director of press freedom initiatives at The Washington Post and former Iranian hostage
This initiative will initially focus on the release of four groups of hostages and political prisoners:
- Venezuela: Jesús Armas, Venezuelan Opposition Leader, McCain Global Leader
- Belarus: Maria Kalesnikava, Belarusian Flutist
- Gaza: Israeli American Hostages
- Georgia: Mzia Amaghlobeli, Journalist
The McCain Institute took immediate action in 2022 following the Kremlin’s wrongful imprisonment of Kara-Murza, who was a close ally and pallbearer of Senator McCain. Kara-Murza was released as part of a multilateral prisoner exchange on August 1, 2024, following years of advocacy by international allies including the McCain Institute. The McCain Institute also proudly acted when Nika Gvaramia, a journalist and media owner in the Republic of Georgia, was imprisoned for his reporting and sentenced to more than three years in jail. Following seven months of petitioning, the McCain Institute helped secure a pardon for Gvaramia by the president of Georgia, resulting in his release.
“The issue of hostage-taking and political imprisonment by dictatorial regimes was especially close to John McCain’s heart – because of his personal experience of captivity, torture, and solitary confinement in North Vietnam and because of his steadfast lifelong belief that the most important value after human life itself is human freedom,” said Kara-Murza. “Throughout his years of public service – as a congressman, as a senator, as a presidential candidate – he spoke up for those around the world who were wrongfully imprisoned for standing up to tyrants. And I can think of no better tribute to the legacy of Senator John McCain than the launch of this particular initiative.”
“I cannot imagine a better person to lead this initiative than Vladimir Kara-Murza who has opposed autocracy in mind, body, and spirit,” said McCain Institute Board Member Jack McCain, “Like my father, he endured years of suffering as a prisoner but emerged steadfast in his commitment to liberty and justice. He sacrificed his own freedom for the future of democracy. Vladimir’s experience, perspective, and unwavering determination will be a critical asset to this initiative as we strive to free hostages and political prisoners around the world.”
“It takes a persistent and committed community of organizations and individuals to bring hostages home and provide adequate support once they return. From my own experience, I know just how vital this support is. I am proud to serve on FFPI’s advisory council to do everything in my power to bring home these unlawfully held individuals and give them the support they deserve,” said Rezaian.
“Fighting for the freedom of political prisoners and hostages is critical in today’s world when more and more people are being used as pawns,” said Pedro Pizano, assistant director of the John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative and Global Democracy Programs at the McCain Institute. “Political prisoners and hostages are ‘the partners and prophets of tomorrow’ and victims of a geopolitical game. They also put a face to the problem of autocracy: full democracies do not take or hold political prisoners or hostages in the first place. We are proud to convene this impressive group of experts to advocate for the release of those unjustly held around the world.”
To learn more about FPPI, click HERE. To watch the conversation between Kara-Murza and Rezaian, click HERE.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
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