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Behind every political prisoner is a human story—a family separated, a voice silenced, a courageous life interrupted.
On Friday, 10/30, we will gather at the Lincoln Memorial to speak their names, honor their courage, and stand with those fighting for their freedom.
Join us at 5 PM.
#FreedomStartsWithAName
Register: ned.org/events/roll-ca…
On Friday, 10/30, we will gather at the Lincoln Memorial to speak their names, honor their courage, and stand with those fighting for their freedom.
Join us at 5 PM.
#FreedomStartsWithAName
Register: ned.org/events/roll-ca…
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Damon M. Wilson retweeted
TODAY: Join us at the Lincoln Memorial on the International Day of Political Prisoners to demand the release of people imprisoned worldwide for exercising their fundamental freedoms.
At the Roll Call for Freedom ceremony, former political prisoners, their families, and advocates es of those unjustly imprisoned to make their voices heard in the nation's capital.
Be part of this movement to support those behind bars for daring to speak, worship, assemble, and express themselves freely.
5:00 PM | Lincoln Memorial
#FreedomStartsWithAName
Learn more: ned.org/events/roll-ca…
At the Roll Call for Freedom ceremony, former political prisoners, their families, and advocates es of those unjustly imprisoned to make their voices heard in the nation's capital.
Be part of this movement to support those behind bars for daring to speak, worship, assemble, and express themselves freely.
5:00 PM | Lincoln Memorial
#FreedomStartsWithAName
Learn more: ned.org/events/roll-ca…
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Damon M. Wilson retweeted
“On this International Day of Political Prisoners, we pledge to continue advocating for the release of all those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights.”
Joint statement by special rapporteurs from @PACE_News and @oscepa @AzadehRojhan @RepCohen.
pace.coe.int/en/news/10486
Joint statement by special rapporteurs from @PACE_News and @oscepa @AzadehRojhan @RepCohen.
pace.coe.int/en/news/10486
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Grateful to the @TheRWCHR for its tireless advocacy for political prisoners worldwide.
A special thank you to @VMehrannia for speaking so movingly to our @NEDemocracy team and the October 30 Coalition yesterday about her husband, Ahmadreza Djalali, imprisoned in Iran.
Her courage inspires us. #FreedomStartsWithAName
Join her and so many others speaking up for their loved ones today at 5pm at the Lincoln Memorial: ned.org/events/roll-ca…
A special thank you to @VMehrannia for speaking so movingly to our @NEDemocracy team and the October 30 Coalition yesterday about her husband, Ahmadreza Djalali, imprisoned in Iran.
Her courage inspires us. #FreedomStartsWithAName
Join her and so many others speaking up for their loved ones today at 5pm at the Lincoln Memorial: ned.org/events/roll-ca…
Powerful evening of solidarity hosted by @NEDemocracy where we had the privilege of paying tribute to some of the world's premier human rights defenders.
Joined the courageous @VMehrannia for this meaningful program and to advocate on behalf of her husband, Swedish-Iranian ally-recognized scholar, Ahmadreza Djalali, arbitrarily and unjustly detained by the Iranian regime more than a decade ago.
Inspired by Vida and all the families of political prisoners in attendance. They are our driving force. We will not relent until their loved ones are free.
#FreeDjalali #FreePoliticalPrisoners #FreedomStartsWithAName
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Last night, former political prisoners, their families & the October 30 Coalition honored Americans who have stood with them in their struggle for freedom.
Their courage inspires us. Standing with those imprisoned for freedom is a proud American tradition.
#FreedomStartsWithAName
@ekaramurza @vkaramurza @maradiaga @bertavalle
@johnpcoale @UzraZeya @kyleparkernet @Malinowski @haroldhongjukoh @JaredGenser
@liliantintori @AnaiseKanimba
Their courage inspires us. Standing with those imprisoned for freedom is a proud American tradition.
#FreedomStartsWithAName
@ekaramurza @vkaramurza @maradiaga @bertavalle
@johnpcoale @UzraZeya @kyleparkernet @Malinowski @haroldhongjukoh @JaredGenser
@liliantintori @AnaiseKanimba
There are more than 1 million political prisoners around the world, behind bars for daring to speak, worship, assemble, and express themselves freely.
Today, @NEDemocracy honored leaders who have worked tirelessly to free them. Their efforts remind us that standing with those proud American tradition.
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Grateful to @MariaCorinaYA and @ZygisPavilionis—two extraordinary champions of freedom—for honoring Congressman @MarioDB.
Their voices remind us that America’s bipartisan support for democracy matters deeply to those fighting for freedom around the world.
Their voices remind us that America’s bipartisan support for democracy matters deeply to those fighting for freedom around the world.
Last week, Congressman @MarioDB received NED’s 2026 Champion of Freedom Democracy Award for his longstanding support for democracy and freedom’s defenders worldwide.
Hear from Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize laureate @MariaCorinaYA and Lithuanian parliamentarian @ZygisPavilionis ip has meant for people working to advance freedom around the world.
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Damon M. Wilson retweeted
Join us tomorrow at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the struggle of those persecuted for their opinions and beliefs around the world.
Their names and stories cannot be forgotten. Stand with them and demand their freedom.
#FreedomStartsWithAName
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
Their names and stories cannot be forgotten. Stand with them and demand their freedom.
#FreedomStartsWithAName
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
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Damon M. Wilson retweeted
In recognition of the International Day of Political Prisoners, the McCain Institute co-authored a joint statement with the October 30 Coalition calling for the freedom of political prisoners worldwide. #FreedomStartsWithAName
Join the coalition as we mark this occasion with a “Roll Call for Freedom.” The event will take place at the Lincoln Memorial from 5:00 - 7:00 pm ET on October 30.
Read the statement and register for the event here: mccaininstitute.org/resources/in-t…
Join the coalition as we mark this occasion with a “Roll Call for Freedom.” The event will take place at the Lincoln Memorial from 5:00 - 7:00 pm ET on October 30.
Read the statement and register for the event here: mccaininstitute.org/resources/in-t…
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For nearly 7 years, Sophie Luo @luoshch has not heard her husband Ding Jiaxi’s voice. China imprisoned him for peacefully advocating freedom and the rule of law.
Today at the Lincoln Memorial, we will speak his name—and those of other political prisoners.
Join us at 5pm. #FreedomStartsWithAName
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
Today at the Lincoln Memorial, we will speak his name—and those of other political prisoners.
Join us at 5pm. #FreedomStartsWithAName
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
#FreedomStartsWithDingJiaxi On #PoliticalPrisoners Day, I call on the government of China to release my husband Ding Jiaxi. He has been unjustly imprisoned since December 26, 2019, simply for advocating peacefully for civic engagement, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. n he has been suffering no daily yard time torture. We have only been able to communicate by strictly censored letters. He was not allowed to call me and we have not heard each other's voice since his detention. I ask democratic governments to raise his case and help bring my husband home to our family.
@HRF @NEDemocracy @LantosFndn @McCainInstitute @USA_China_Talk @TheRWCHR @WLCongress @freedomhouse @3Ooctober @4freerussia_org
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RT @leopoldolopez: Sé lo que significa estar encarcelado por luchar por la libertad.
Mañana, Día Internacional de los Presos Políticos, no…
Mañana, Día Internacional de los Presos Políticos, no…
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Damon M. Wilson retweeted
My beloved sister, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, has been unjustly imprisoned by the Chinese regime for over eight years. Her suffering reflects the anguish of countless families torn apart by the CCP’s brutal repression. Tomorrow at 5 PM at the Lincoln Memorial, voices will rise for those silenced and unjustly imprisoned.
Although @AHakimIdris and I are overseas attending an international conference, my brother @DrRishatAbbas and my niece @ziba116, Gulshan’s daughter, will stand in solidarity with countless others. I urge everyone to join them. Your presence matters. Your voice matters. We must never allow the world to forget.
Silence is the oxygen of tyranny. Let us break that silence together.
Please register to join:
ned.org/events/roll-ca… @NEDemocracy
Although @AHakimIdris and I are overseas attending an international conference, my brother @DrRishatAbbas and my niece @ziba116, Gulshan’s daughter, will stand in solidarity with countless others. I urge everyone to join them. Your presence matters. Your voice matters. We must never allow the world to forget.
Silence is the oxygen of tyranny. Let us break that silence together.
Please register to join:
ned.org/events/roll-ca… @NEDemocracy
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Damon M. Wilson retweeted
My spouse, Dr. Kizza Besigye, is imprisoned in #Uganda. He is one of many people worldwide detained for their political convictions.
Tomorrow, we speak their names at the #LincolnMemorial.
Join us in solidarity at 5pm.
Register: ned.org/events/roll-ca…
#FreedomStartsWithAName
@kizzabesigye1
Tomorrow, we speak their names at the #LincolnMemorial.
Join us in solidarity at 5pm.
Register: ned.org/events/roll-ca…
#FreedomStartsWithAName
@kizzabesigye1
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Damon M. Wilson retweeted
The RWCHR is in Washington, DC to honour #politicalprisoners from around the world fighting for justice, human rights, and democracy.
Standing alongside their families and a coalition of leading NGOs, we will be at the Lincoln Memorial tomorrow to read the names and hear the stories of those unjustly behind bars.
We invite you to join us as we shine a spotlight on these brave heroes of humanity.
"It is our responsibility to speak on behalf of those who cannot be heard, to bear witness on behalf of those who cannot testify, to act on behalf of those who are putting not simply their livelihood but their lives on the line." - @IrwinCotler
@NEDemocracy @McCainInstitute @4freerussia_org @HRF @VMehrannia
@KarimliTurkel @AliKarimli @vkaramurza @ekaramurza @freedomhouse @WLCongress @LantosFndn
#FreedomStartsWithAName
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
Standing alongside their families and a coalition of leading NGOs, we will be at the Lincoln Memorial tomorrow to read the names and hear the stories of those unjustly behind bars.
We invite you to join us as we shine a spotlight on these brave heroes of humanity.
"It is our responsibility to speak on behalf of those who cannot be heard, to bear witness on behalf of those who cannot testify, to act on behalf of those who are putting not simply their livelihood but their lives on the line." - @IrwinCotler
@NEDemocracy @McCainInstitute @4freerussia_org @HRF @VMehrannia
@KarimliTurkel @AliKarimli @vkaramurza @ekaramurza @freedomhouse @WLCongress @LantosFndn
#FreedomStartsWithAName
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
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If we wait for peace in Sudan to support independent businesses, the economic foundations of peace may belong to those who profited from war.
At @CIPEglobal’s Sudan Integrity Summit, I urged support now for Sudanese entrepreneurs, journalists & civic leaders building a freer future.
At @CIPEglobal’s Sudan Integrity Summit, I urged support now for Sudanese entrepreneurs, journalists & civic leaders building a freer future.
🎙️The #SudanIntegritySummit is underway in Washington, DC. CIPE’s Andrew Wilson and @NEDemocracy's @DamonMacWilson opened with a clear message: Sudan’s democratic & economic resilience can’t wait for peace. Supporting independent businesses, accountable institutions & civic networksoundation for lasting peace, prosperity & regional stability. 🇸🇩
#SIS2026 #Sudan #EconomicRecovery #GoodGovernance #PrivateSector #Peacebuilding
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Ortega and Murillo are dismantling Nicaragua’s democracy to perpetuate their family’s rule.
UN experts report 452 people stripped of citizenship, 5,000+ organizations shut down, and evidence of crimes against humanity.
Nicaraguans deserve freedom, not dynastic dictatorship.
apnews.com/article/un-nic…
UN experts report 452 people stripped of citizenship, 5,000+ organizations shut down, and evidence of crimes against humanity.
Nicaraguans deserve freedom, not dynastic dictatorship.
apnews.com/article/un-nic…
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For writing “Russian Dream” on a campaign banner, Georgian opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Today, she was taken to a clinic in a wheelchair. Yet she declares: “I will fight till the end.”
Authoritarians imprison people to silence them. Elene reminds us why they fail.
Tomorrow, we will speak the names of political prisoners from around the world at the Lincoln Memorial.
Come stand with us in solidarity.
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
#FreedomStartsWithAName
Today, she was taken to a clinic in a wheelchair. Yet she declares: “I will fight till the end.”
Authoritarians imprison people to silence them. Elene reminds us why they fail.
Tomorrow, we will speak the names of political prisoners from around the world at the Lincoln Memorial.
Come stand with us in solidarity.
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
#FreedomStartsWithAName
Prisoner of conscience and opposition party leader Elene Khoshtaria transferred from prison to a clinic in a wheelchair.
Coalition for Change and @DroaParty leader Elene Khoshtaria was detained in September 2025 after writing “Russian Dream” on a Georgian Dream campaign banner. 5 years in prison for “damaging private property”.
In a video shared by “Sando Tskaro”, Khoshtaria is being transferred to a medical facility in a wheelchair. “Definitely, I will fight till the end,” @Helenkhosh says in the video. Elene’s lawyers raised concerns over her health in June 2026.
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Damon M. Wilson retweeted
As dozens of African leaders flock to Moscow for the Russia-Africa Summit, young Africans are still being recruited to fight, and die, in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Zimbabwe is conducting DNA tests for families of citizens missing or killed after being recruited to fight in Russia's war on Ukraine. Russia stands accused of recruiting Africans to cover its war losses — an allegation Moscow has always denied.
Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports.
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A powerful recap of a meaningful day at @MIAFreedomTower. Thank you @MarioDB for steadfast commitment to freedom—and standing with the courageous people working to reclaim it. Thank you to everyone who joined us. @NEDemocracy
Congressman @MarioDB has been a steadfast champion of freedom and human dignity around the world for more than two decades.
Last week, @NEDemocracy honored him with the 2026 Champion of Freedom Democracy Award during a ceremony held at Miami’s historic Freedom Tower, which once ubans seeking refuge from dictatorship.
Speakers highlighted the global impact of his efforts to support people resisting authoritarian repression and working to build freer communities.
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Authoritarians imprison people to silence them.
Victoire Ingabire in Rwanda. Arseny Turbin in Russia. Ahmadreza Djalali in Iran. Félix and Saylí Navarro in Cuba.
Friday, their families and fellow freedom advocates will make sure their voices are heard at the Lincoln Memorial.
Come stand with us in solidarity.
Oct 30 | 5–7 PM
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
#FreedomStartsWithAName
Victoire Ingabire in Rwanda. Arseny Turbin in Russia. Ahmadreza Djalali in Iran. Félix and Saylí Navarro in Cuba.
Friday, their families and fellow freedom advocates will make sure their voices are heard at the Lincoln Memorial.
Come stand with us in solidarity.
Oct 30 | 5–7 PM
ned.org/events/roll-ca…
#FreedomStartsWithAName
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Where can East Africans seeking freedom find safety if exile itself offers no refuge?
Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya has reportedly been abducted in Kenya. His whereabouts remain unknown.
A deeply troubling pattern of transnational repression demands urgent action. Kenyan authorities have a responsibility to establish his whereabouts, ensure his safety, and investigate.
Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya has reportedly been abducted in Kenya. His whereabouts remain unknown.
A deeply troubling pattern of transnational repression demands urgent action. Kenyan authorities have a responsibility to establish his whereabouts, ensure his safety, and investigate.
#FreeTwahaMwaipaya | STATEMENT: RISING TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION IN EAST AFRICA SHOULD CONCERN REGIONAL JUDICIARIES AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
We strongly condemn the reported abduction of Twaha Mwaipaya, a Tanzanian opposition activist.
"No individual should be subjected due process. Any allegations must be addressed through lawful procedures that uphold fundamental rights and the rule of law."
#ULSAT70 #ResistLawlessness
#FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners
#BangTheTable #BackOnTrack
#RNBVsion2060
@TheCitizenTz @nilepostnews @DailyMonitor @newvisionwire @TheLegalReports @TheChanzo @BBCAfrica @EACJCourt
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A father and daughter imprisoned for demanding freedom in Cuba.
Félix Navarro, 73, whom we honored with NED’s 2026 Democracy Award, has reportedly spent 66 days in isolation. His daughter Saylí remains imprisoned too.
Their courage deserves recognition, not prison. Both must be free.
ned.org/ned-honors-glo…
Félix Navarro, 73, whom we honored with NED’s 2026 Democracy Award, has reportedly spent 66 days in isolation. His daughter Saylí remains imprisoned too.
Their courage deserves recognition, not prison. Both must be free.
ned.org/ned-honors-glo…
Félix y Saylí Navarro están en prisión por hechos vinculados a las protestas del 11J. Ambos fueron detenidos en julio de 2021 y posteriormente condenados a nueve y ocho años de cárcel, respectivamente.
Durante estos años, ambos han enfrentado problemas de salud, restricciones en y reiteradas denuncias sobre las condiciones en las que cumplen sus condenas.
La situación más reciente vuelve a generar preocupación. Según informó Martí Noticias, Sonia Álvarez, esposa de Félix y madre de Saylí, denunció que Félix Navarro, de 73 años, llevaba 66 días solo en una celda de la prisión de Agüica, mientras Saylí continúa presentando problemas gastrointestinales sin haber recibido una evaluación especializada.
Desde el OCDH mantendremos nuestro reclamo por la libertad inmediata de Félix y Saylí Navarro, así como por la de todos los presos políticos en Cuba.
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