Crumble, cookies and madeleines recipes of hope for Iran's jailed womenWriting can empower individuals, particularly in oppressive environments, highlighting the transformative power of literature.
Italian Reporter's Ordeal in Iranian Prison: I Was Trapped in a Game'Iran's moderate president election led to increased hopes for foreign media access, but on-the-ground restrictions persist strongly.
Germany welcomes release of German-Iranian rights activist from prison in Iran and her return homeThe release of Nahid Taghavi underscores the importance of advocacy for human rights and political prisoners.The Independent's focus on fact-based journalism supports a well-informed public.
Crumble, cookies and madeleines recipes of hope for Iran's jailed womenWriting can empower individuals, particularly in oppressive environments, highlighting the transformative power of literature.
Italian Reporter's Ordeal in Iranian Prison: I Was Trapped in a Game'Iran's moderate president election led to increased hopes for foreign media access, but on-the-ground restrictions persist strongly.
Germany welcomes release of German-Iranian rights activist from prison in Iran and her return homeThe release of Nahid Taghavi underscores the importance of advocacy for human rights and political prisoners.The Independent's focus on fact-based journalism supports a well-informed public.
A Hamas Leader's Release From Prison Reopens Old Wounds in IsraelThe release of hostages and prisoners during the Israel-Hamas truce ignites mixed emotions of joy and deep anguish on both sides.
Navalnaya leads Berlin march against Ukraine warYulia Navalnaya leads protests against Putin, emphasizing hope and resilience in opposition to the regime amid geopolitical tensions.
Alexei Navalny supporters visit grave on first anniversary of his deathEuropean leaders blame Putin for Alexei Navalny's death, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democracy in Russia.
Navalnaya leads Berlin march against Ukraine warYulia Navalnaya leads protests against Putin, emphasizing hope and resilience in opposition to the regime amid geopolitical tensions.
Alexei Navalny supporters visit grave on first anniversary of his deathEuropean leaders blame Putin for Alexei Navalny's death, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democracy in Russia.
Belarus has released 3 from prison, including an American and a journalistBelarus released three prisoners, including an American and a Radio Free Europe employee, following a U.S.-Russia exchange deal.
Imprisoned Belarus activist resurfaces after being incommunicado for over 700 daysViktar Babaryka, a Belarusian opposition activist, was shown in a video after 700 days, highlighting the oppressive conditions faced by political prisoners in Belarus.
Belarus leader Lukashenko pardons 32 prisoners convicted for extremism'Despite some political prisoners being pardoned, repression in Belarus continues with a large number still jailed.
German far-right politician accused of using political prisoners as cheap labour in BelarusForeign investor Jorg Dornau allegedly employs political prisoners on a farm in Belarus, raising ethical concerns about collaboration with authoritarian regimes.
Starting a new life after political imprisonment in Belarus DW 09/21/2024Polina Polovinko and Dmitry Luksha exemplify the risks faced by political dissenters in Belarus, especially under authoritarian regimes.
The Country Left Out in the Cold in the East-West Prisoner SwapThe prisoner exchange between the East and West post-Cold War did not include the release of Belarusian political prisoners, raising concerns.
Belarus has released 3 from prison, including an American and a journalistBelarus released three prisoners, including an American and a Radio Free Europe employee, following a U.S.-Russia exchange deal.
Imprisoned Belarus activist resurfaces after being incommunicado for over 700 daysViktar Babaryka, a Belarusian opposition activist, was shown in a video after 700 days, highlighting the oppressive conditions faced by political prisoners in Belarus.
Belarus leader Lukashenko pardons 32 prisoners convicted for extremism'Despite some political prisoners being pardoned, repression in Belarus continues with a large number still jailed.
German far-right politician accused of using political prisoners as cheap labour in BelarusForeign investor Jorg Dornau allegedly employs political prisoners on a farm in Belarus, raising ethical concerns about collaboration with authoritarian regimes.
Starting a new life after political imprisonment in Belarus DW 09/21/2024Polina Polovinko and Dmitry Luksha exemplify the risks faced by political dissenters in Belarus, especially under authoritarian regimes.
The Country Left Out in the Cold in the East-West Prisoner SwapThe prisoner exchange between the East and West post-Cold War did not include the release of Belarusian political prisoners, raising concerns.
Friday Briefing: Evan Gershkovich Freed in a Prisoner SwapA sweeping prisoner swap involving seven countries, led to the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and other prominent individuals from Russia and the West.
Russia gives Navalny lawyers multi-year sentences for relaying his messagesThree lawyers defending Alexei Navalny have been sentenced to prison for messaging from him, signifying intensified repression of dissent in Russia.
Israel's mass detention of Palestinians is aimed to break our spiritWitnessing the impact of administrative detention, I experienced loss, pain, and resilience during 253 days of imprisonment without charge.
Freed Cuban Dissident: The Church and Biden Got DupedFerrer preferred staying in prison over the perceived betrayal of human rights in the U.S.'s negotiations with Cuba.
Biden moves to lift state sponsor of terrorism designation for CubaPresident Biden plans to lift Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism to promote human rights and dialogue.
Russian Dissident Says He Was Traded Against His Will in Inmate SwapIlya Yashin expressed outrage at being sent into involuntary exile rather than staying in his own country, even if it meant remaining in prison.
Friday Briefing: Evan Gershkovich Freed in a Prisoner SwapA sweeping prisoner swap involving seven countries, led to the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and other prominent individuals from Russia and the West.
Russia gives Navalny lawyers multi-year sentences for relaying his messagesThree lawyers defending Alexei Navalny have been sentenced to prison for messaging from him, signifying intensified repression of dissent in Russia.
Israel's mass detention of Palestinians is aimed to break our spiritWitnessing the impact of administrative detention, I experienced loss, pain, and resilience during 253 days of imprisonment without charge.
Freed Cuban Dissident: The Church and Biden Got DupedFerrer preferred staying in prison over the perceived betrayal of human rights in the U.S.'s negotiations with Cuba.
Biden moves to lift state sponsor of terrorism designation for CubaPresident Biden plans to lift Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism to promote human rights and dialogue.
Russian Dissident Says He Was Traded Against His Will in Inmate SwapIlya Yashin expressed outrage at being sent into involuntary exile rather than staying in his own country, even if it meant remaining in prison.
Hundreds protest in London as jailed climate activists' appeals are heardProtesters condemn the jailing of climate activists, claiming it undermines democracy and the rule of law.
Tunisia presidential election: Who is running and what is at stake?Upcoming presidential elections in Tunisia face accusations of being rigged, jeopardizing democracy with minimal opposition.
In a Political Year, Some Deaths Spoke to the Struggles for DemocracyNavalny's death galvanizes global resistance against authoritarianism, emphasizing the continuous fight for democracy.
Bernardo Arevalo: We have reaffirmed that Guatemala can have a government that doesn't bend the knee to corruption'Bernardo Arevalo's presidency represents a fight against entrenched corruption while striving for democracy and accountability in Guatemala.
Russia Will Be Democratic.' Vladimir and Evgenia Kara-Murza on the Fight for a Free RussiaEvgenia and Vladimir Kara-Murza continue their fight for political prisoners in Russia after his release, emphasizing the need for ongoing advocacy and hope for democracy.
Tunisia: Saied eyes new term as presidential election ends DW 10/06/2024Tunisia's presidential election reflects deep democratic decline, with significant voter apathy and exclusion of credible opposition.
Hundreds protest in London as jailed climate activists' appeals are heardProtesters condemn the jailing of climate activists, claiming it undermines democracy and the rule of law.
Tunisia presidential election: Who is running and what is at stake?Upcoming presidential elections in Tunisia face accusations of being rigged, jeopardizing democracy with minimal opposition.
In a Political Year, Some Deaths Spoke to the Struggles for DemocracyNavalny's death galvanizes global resistance against authoritarianism, emphasizing the continuous fight for democracy.
Bernardo Arevalo: We have reaffirmed that Guatemala can have a government that doesn't bend the knee to corruption'Bernardo Arevalo's presidency represents a fight against entrenched corruption while striving for democracy and accountability in Guatemala.
Russia Will Be Democratic.' Vladimir and Evgenia Kara-Murza on the Fight for a Free RussiaEvgenia and Vladimir Kara-Murza continue their fight for political prisoners in Russia after his release, emphasizing the need for ongoing advocacy and hope for democracy.
Tunisia: Saied eyes new term as presidential election ends DW 10/06/2024Tunisia's presidential election reflects deep democratic decline, with significant voter apathy and exclusion of credible opposition.
Pressing for the release of Austin Tice, a dozen years after he was abducted - PoynterAustin Tice, a journalist abducted in Syria, has been missing for 12 years, prompting ongoing calls from President Biden for his release.
Biden says U.S. government believes Austin Tice is alive in SyriaThe U.S. believes journalist Austin Tice, missing in Syria for 12 years, is alive and making efforts to secure his return.
Syrian Writer and Former 16-Year Political Prisoner Celebrates Assad's OusterThe fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria marks a pivotal shift after 54 years of oppressive rule.
He has come out an old man': joy and grief as loved ones released from Assad prisonsAfter 39 years of searching, Moammar Ali received a photo of his long-lost brother, who was recently released from a Syrian prison.
The Face of the Syrian RevolutionMazen al-Hamada, a former political prisoner in Syria, returned to face arrest and death despite his testimony against the regime's crimes.
Pressing for the release of Austin Tice, a dozen years after he was abducted - PoynterAustin Tice, a journalist abducted in Syria, has been missing for 12 years, prompting ongoing calls from President Biden for his release.
Biden says U.S. government believes Austin Tice is alive in SyriaThe U.S. believes journalist Austin Tice, missing in Syria for 12 years, is alive and making efforts to secure his return.
Syrian Writer and Former 16-Year Political Prisoner Celebrates Assad's OusterThe fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria marks a pivotal shift after 54 years of oppressive rule.
He has come out an old man': joy and grief as loved ones released from Assad prisonsAfter 39 years of searching, Moammar Ali received a photo of his long-lost brother, who was recently released from a Syrian prison.
The Face of the Syrian RevolutionMazen al-Hamada, a former political prisoner in Syria, returned to face arrest and death despite his testimony against the regime's crimes.
Trump says he'll issue sweeping pardons for January 6 participantsTrump pledges to pardon many convicted January 6 defendants during inaugural celebration.
History Cautions Against Pardons for Jan. 6 RiotersTrump may pardon January 6 rioters, framing them as martyrs akin to historical Ku Klux Klan claims of political persecution.
Trump says he'll issue sweeping pardons for January 6 participantsTrump pledges to pardon many convicted January 6 defendants during inaugural celebration.
History Cautions Against Pardons for Jan. 6 RiotersTrump may pardon January 6 rioters, framing them as martyrs akin to historical Ku Klux Klan claims of political persecution.
3 Americans freed in large-scale prisoner swap with Russia are welcomed homeThree Americans imprisoned in Russia return home in a prisoner exchange welcomed by President Biden and Vice President Harris.
Russian hostage diplomacy' pays off: Decoding a wartime prisoner exchangeThe largest and most elaborate prisoner exchange since the Cold War between Moscow and the West has significant implications for both parties involved.
Videos show the moment Americans were freed from Russian captivity after high-stakes prisoner swapRussia released American prisoners like Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan in a historic exchange, marking the most complex swap since the Cold War.
Tears, hugs greet 90 Palestinian women, children freed from Israeli prisonsThe release of 90 Palestinian prisoners is a significant event in the context of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire, celebrated by large crowds in Ramallah.
3 Americans freed in large-scale prisoner swap with Russia are welcomed homeThree Americans imprisoned in Russia return home in a prisoner exchange welcomed by President Biden and Vice President Harris.
Russian hostage diplomacy' pays off: Decoding a wartime prisoner exchangeThe largest and most elaborate prisoner exchange since the Cold War between Moscow and the West has significant implications for both parties involved.
Videos show the moment Americans were freed from Russian captivity after high-stakes prisoner swapRussia released American prisoners like Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan in a historic exchange, marking the most complex swap since the Cold War.
Tears, hugs greet 90 Palestinian women, children freed from Israeli prisonsThe release of 90 Palestinian prisoners is a significant event in the context of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire, celebrated by large crowds in Ramallah.
Russian Court Sentences Lawyers for Navalny for Passing Along His LettersThe Kremlin continues to target allies of the late opposition leader Aleksei Navalny with harsh sentences, reflecting its intolerance for dissent.
Russia puts late opposition leader Alexey Navalny's lawyers on trialThree lawyers associated with Alexey Navalny face extremism charges, raising concerns over freedom of speech and the treatment of political dissenters in Russia.
Russian Court Sentences Lawyers for Navalny for Passing Along His LettersThe Kremlin continues to target allies of the late opposition leader Aleksei Navalny with harsh sentences, reflecting its intolerance for dissent.
Russia puts late opposition leader Alexey Navalny's lawyers on trialThree lawyers associated with Alexey Navalny face extremism charges, raising concerns over freedom of speech and the treatment of political dissenters in Russia.
White House to lift state sponsor of terrorism designation for CubaPresident Biden is lifting Cuba's state sponsor of terrorism designation shortly before leaving office, reversing Trump's previous action.
Biden to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorismBiden's administration is removing Cuba from the terrorism list, aiming to alleviate humanitarian crises and secure political prisoner releases.
Biden Administration to End Cuba's Status as State Sponsor of TerrorismThe Biden administration plans to revoke Cuba's terrorism designation to facilitate political prisoner release and ease economic restrictions.
US: Biden to remove Cuba from sponsors of terrorism list DW 01/15/2025The Biden administration's removal of Cuba from the terrorism list aims to improve relations and catalyze political prisoner releases.
Cuba starts freeing prisoners as US to remove it from terrorism listBiden's decision to remove Cuba from the terrorism list coincided with the release of political prisoners, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic relations.
Cuba frees opposition leader Ferrer after deal with Biden DW 01/17/2025Cuban authorities released political prisoners, including Jose Daniel Ferrer, as part of a deal with President Biden to remove Cuba from the US terrorism list.
White House to lift state sponsor of terrorism designation for CubaPresident Biden is lifting Cuba's state sponsor of terrorism designation shortly before leaving office, reversing Trump's previous action.
Biden to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorismBiden's administration is removing Cuba from the terrorism list, aiming to alleviate humanitarian crises and secure political prisoner releases.
Biden Administration to End Cuba's Status as State Sponsor of TerrorismThe Biden administration plans to revoke Cuba's terrorism designation to facilitate political prisoner release and ease economic restrictions.
US: Biden to remove Cuba from sponsors of terrorism list DW 01/15/2025The Biden administration's removal of Cuba from the terrorism list aims to improve relations and catalyze political prisoner releases.
Cuba starts freeing prisoners as US to remove it from terrorism listBiden's decision to remove Cuba from the terrorism list coincided with the release of political prisoners, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic relations.
Cuba frees opposition leader Ferrer after deal with Biden DW 01/17/2025Cuban authorities released political prisoners, including Jose Daniel Ferrer, as part of a deal with President Biden to remove Cuba from the US terrorism list.
My friend Joshua Wong is among those jailed in Hong Kong the UK must stand up for these political prisoners | Nathan LawJoshua Wong was sentenced to over four years in prison for his involvement in the pro-democracy protests, reflecting China's crackdown on dissent.
Labour MPs urge Rachel Reeves to demand Jimmy Lai's releaseLabour MPs call on Rachel Reeves to advocate for Jimmy Lai's release during her historic visit to China.The case of Jimmy Lai embodies the deterioration of freedoms in Hong Kong.
My friend Joshua Wong is among those jailed in Hong Kong the UK must stand up for these political prisoners | Nathan LawJoshua Wong was sentenced to over four years in prison for his involvement in the pro-democracy protests, reflecting China's crackdown on dissent.
Labour MPs urge Rachel Reeves to demand Jimmy Lai's releaseLabour MPs call on Rachel Reeves to advocate for Jimmy Lai's release during her historic visit to China.The case of Jimmy Lai embodies the deterioration of freedoms in Hong Kong.
More Americans jailed in Venezuela pose a test of Trump's deal-making foreign policyHundreds of government opponents are imprisoned in Venezuela, including several Americans who lack legal rights, communication, or clarity about their detention.
Venezuela releases more than 100 people imprisoned after contested electionThe Venezuelan government released 103 people amid a post-election crackdown but continues to suppress opposition and refuses to validate election results.
More Americans jailed in Venezuela pose a test of Trump's deal-making foreign policyHundreds of government opponents are imprisoned in Venezuela, including several Americans who lack legal rights, communication, or clarity about their detention.
Venezuela releases more than 100 people imprisoned after contested electionThe Venezuelan government released 103 people amid a post-election crackdown but continues to suppress opposition and refuses to validate election results.
Trump uses Hunter Biden pardon to hint potential clemency for January 6 insurrectionistsTrump signals potential pardons for January 6 participants, viewing Hunter Biden's pardon as justification for his actions if re-elected.
January 6 Rioters Think Donald Trump's Victory Is Their Get Out of Jail Free CardFormer rioters feel optimistic about potential pardons from Trump, driving their desire to circumvent legal restrictions on firearms.
Trump uses Hunter Biden pardon to hint potential clemency for January 6 insurrectionistsTrump signals potential pardons for January 6 participants, viewing Hunter Biden's pardon as justification for his actions if re-elected.
January 6 Rioters Think Donald Trump's Victory Is Their Get Out of Jail Free CardFormer rioters feel optimistic about potential pardons from Trump, driving their desire to circumvent legal restrictions on firearms.
China releases 3 Americans imprisoned for years as US returns 4 people to ChinaThree Americans wrongfully detained by China have been released, illustrating a significant diplomatic agreement between the U.S. and China.
Julian Assange visits artist who held $45m worth of art hostageAndrei Molodkin's exhibition highlights Julian Assange's detention and advocates for awareness about freedom and expression through art.
Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite review Turkish kid-in-prison tale is touching and urgentThe film explores the innocence of childhood amid the harsh realities of a women's prison in post-coup Turkey.
Will Russia's opposition show a united front in Berlin? DW 11/16/2024The Russian opposition in Berlin rallies to oppose the war and demand freedom for political prisoners.
Burkina Faso Says Russia Partnership 'Suits' Better Than FranceAzerbaijani political commentator Nazakat Mammadova sentenced to 13 years for alleged espionage, with charges dismissed as politically motivated by human rights groups.
The Big Issue in 2024The foremost election issue is the state of free speech in America against the rise of cultural Marxism.
Standing Up to TrumpVladimir Kara-Murza, a dissident imprisoned in Russia, received a Pulitzer Prize while serving a 25-year sentence for opposing government policies.
Far-right activists raise almost 15,000 for families of people jailed over UK riotsFar-right group Patriotic Alternative raised substantial funds for families of jailed anti-immigration protesters, depicting it as a fight for free speech.
The Big Issue in 2024The foremost election issue is the state of free speech in America against the rise of cultural Marxism.
Standing Up to TrumpVladimir Kara-Murza, a dissident imprisoned in Russia, received a Pulitzer Prize while serving a 25-year sentence for opposing government policies.
Far-right activists raise almost 15,000 for families of people jailed over UK riotsFar-right group Patriotic Alternative raised substantial funds for families of jailed anti-immigration protesters, depicting it as a fight for free speech.
Far-right activists fundraising for people jailed over UK riotsFar-right activists are fundraising for jailed rioters, framing them as political prisoners, raising concerns about their influence and recruitment efforts in prisons.
Dutch row over which victims of Nazis get stumbling stone' plaquesThe campaign seeks to commemorate Dutch political prisoners executed during the Holocaust amid bureaucratic obstacles.Recognition of the broader Holocaust victim categories is still a contentious issue in memorial efforts.
Five of the best books about Indian politicsIndia's literary landscape reflects its complex social issues such as caste, political unrest, and changing governance under Narendra Modi.
Russia sentences US dual citizen to 12 years for treasonKsenia Karelina received a 12-year prison sentence in Russia for a $51 donation to a charity aiding Ukraine, accused of treason.
Russian dissident artist released as part of historic prisoner swapThe historic prisoner swap between the US and Germany with Russia included the release of 16 individuals, highlighting the suppression of free speech under Putin.
Released Russians say swap deal was a 'difficult dilemma' DW 08/02/2024The release of Russian dissidents in a prisoner swap has raised concerns of potential retaliation by Putin taking more hostages.
Russian dissident artist released as part of historic prisoner swapThe historic prisoner swap between the US and Germany with Russia included the release of 16 individuals, highlighting the suppression of free speech under Putin.
Released Russians say swap deal was a 'difficult dilemma' DW 08/02/2024The release of Russian dissidents in a prisoner swap has raised concerns of potential retaliation by Putin taking more hostages.