Freed.. but told: watch your back

Russia in threat to 16 it released

- CHRIS HUGHES

RUSSIA has warned Western detainees freed in the huge prisoner swap to "get new names" and disguise themselves.

The move suggests they face a lifelong threat from Kremlin hit squads.

Security official Dmitry Medvedev's chilling announcement followed the biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War and evoked Russia's attempt to kill pardoned KGB double agent Sergei Skripal in 2018.

Yesterday, UK-Russian citizen Vladimir Kara-Murza, 42, told of his relief at escaping his Siberian jail this week.

In an open call to relatives gathered with other families in the Oval Office with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, he said: "I was sure I was going to die in prison.

"I still think I am sleeping in my cell in Omsk instead of hearing your voices."