All articles tagged with #political prisoners
Originally Published 3 days ago — by CNN
Venezuela has begun releasing some political prisoners, including opposition figures, as a gesture of peace amid heightened US-Venezuela tensions following the US operation to detain President Maduro. The releases, part of a move towards national unity, include at least nine individuals and are seen as a positive step, though concerns about transparency and ongoing detentions remain.
Originally Published 16 days ago — by BBC
Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist and former political prisoner, has arrived in the UK after the Egyptian authorities lifted his travel ban, ending years of separation and imprisonment, and reuniting him with his son in Brighton.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
A group of Belarusian political prisoners, including journalists and activists, were released after years of brutal detention, revealing severe human rights abuses and harsh prison conditions, amid ongoing political repression and efforts to improve relations with the West.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by BBC
Belarus has released 52 political prisoners in exchange for the easing of some US sanctions, including on Belarusian airline Belavia, as part of a diplomatic effort to improve relations with the US amid ongoing tensions and military exercises involving Russia. The move follows previous releases and aims to soften Belarus's international standing, with discussions about reopening the US embassy in Minsk.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Reuters
Mikola Statkevich, a Belarusian opposition figure, refused to leave Belarus after being released from prison and did not cross into Lithuania, symbolizing resistance against the regime's forced deportations amid political tensions at the Belarus-Lithuania border.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by The New York Times
Belarus released 52 political prisoners, including foreigners, in a deal brokered by the US, which also plans to lift sanctions on Belarus's airline and reopen its embassy, as part of efforts to normalize relations and potentially negotiate a larger prisoner release deal.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by CNN
A Hong Kong court is set to decide the fate of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media mogul and symbol of resistance against Beijing's crackdown, amid ongoing international calls for his release. Former US President Donald Trump has pledged to free Lai if re-elected, highlighting the case's geopolitical significance amidst US-China trade negotiations. Lai's supporters and family remain hopeful, citing his age and health concerns, while the Hong Kong government defends his detention.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by France 24
Israel conducted a missile strike on Tehran's Evin Prison, damaging the prison's main gate, courts, and other facilities, with reports of shattered windows and damage to the women's ward. The attack targeted key Iranian security sites amid heightened tensions, and was publicly acknowledged by Israeli officials, with implications for political prisoners and Iran's internal security.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The Guardian
The article reports on the dire situation of political prisoners in Tehran's Evin prison amid Israeli airstrikes, highlighting their helplessness, the damage to the prison, and calls for their temporary release due to the escalating conflict and unsafe conditions.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Financial Times
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko released opposition leader Sergei Tsikhanouski and over a dozen other political prisoners following a meeting with Donald Trump's special envoy, Keith Kellogg, in a move seen as a diplomatic breakthrough amid ongoing protests and political repression.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Euronews.com
Belarus has released a group of political prisoners, including opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski, in a US-brokered deal with President Lukashenka, amid ongoing tensions and efforts to ease Western sanctions, while Tsikhanouski remains a prominent figure in Belarus's political landscape.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by BBC.com
Former inmates of Syria's notorious Saydnaya prison, recently freed by rebels, recount harrowing experiences of torture, abuse, and inhumane conditions. Known as the "human slaughterhouse," the prison held political prisoners and opponents of the Assad regime, who were subjected to brutal punishments and forced confessions. The fall of Assad's government led to their release, marking a moment of profound relief and disbelief for the survivors, who describe their freedom as a rebirth after years of unimaginable suffering.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Al Jazeera English
Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's government, families and rescue teams are searching Sednaya Prison in Damascus for missing loved ones. The notorious prison, known for severe human rights abuses, is being scoured for hidden cells potentially holding detainees. The collapse of al-Assad's regime has led to the release of many political prisoners, bringing emotional reunions across Syria. The White Helmets are actively involved in the search efforts, as the country grapples with the aftermath of decades of oppressive rule.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by BBC.com
Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, hundreds have gathered at the notorious Saydnaya military prison, hoping to find information about missing detainees. The prison, known for detaining thousands who opposed the Syrian government, has released some prisoners in a disoriented state, unable to recall basic personal details. Aid groups and families continue to search for loved ones, amidst reports of secret underground cells and widespread human rights abuses during the civil war.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Axios
The family of missing American journalist Austin Tice is hopeful for his release following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and the emptying of political prisons. Tice, who disappeared in 2012 while reporting on the Syrian civil war, is believed by his family to be alive, based on a vetted source. Thousands of prisoners have been released as Syrian rebels take control, raising hopes for Tice's return. The Assad regime has never acknowledged holding Tice, despite U.S. claims of his detention by the Syrian government.