Five years after the US and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban's return to power continues to shape the lives of millions, particularly for women and girls.

In this episode of The Dissident's Mic, @RoyaMahboob reflects on the collapse of a generation's promise, the apartheid, and the Afghan people's determination to hold on to their memories of education, freedom, and possibility.

Listen to the full episode → hrf.org/podcast/the-di…

HRF condemns the four-year prison sentence handed to Tanzania’s jailed main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, and the arbitrary detentions of at least 10 members of Lissu’s party in recent weeks. For over a year, Tanzanian authorities dragged Lissu through a protracted show trial case they ultimately failed to prove in court. Then, high court judges stepped in at the last minute to save the face of the regime by convicting Lissu of a brand-new charge, one he had not faced throughout his lengthy trial, and sentencing him to four years in prison. Tanzanian dictator Samia Suluhu Hassan is so afraid of her most serious political opponent that she is using the courts and the police to keep him in jail and dismantle his movement. #FreeTunduLissu

In a statement issued on Nov. 8, Lissu’s party, CHADEMA, said police had detained at least 10 of its members between Oct. 10 and Nov. 7. All of the detainees have been denied police bail, amid allegations that they have been tortured, coerced into confessions, and cut off from their lawyers and families. tuko.co.ke/world/africa/6…

These arrests follow an election marked by a crackdown in which hundreds were reportedly killed and which African Union observers found fell short of democratic standards. Tanzanian officials must quash Lissu’s conviction, release all detained CHADEMA members, and investigate the allegations of torture. hrw.org/news/2026/10/2…

Three wins. One powerful message. 🏆

HRF’s “Dare to Dissent” series has taken home three Anthem Awards in the Human & Civil Rights category:

🥇 Gold for Freedom of Expression and Press
🥇 Gold for Campaign - Non-Profit
🥈 Silver for Video Campaign or Series

We’re proud to see this work recognized. Through storytelling and digital media, “Dare to Dissent” amplifies the voices of those who are challenging authoritarianism and defending fundamental freedoms around the world.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this series to life!

Learn more → hrf.org/latest/hrfs-da…

HRF condemns the 12.5-year prison sentence imposed on former Macao lawmaker and pro-democracy advocate Au Kam San and calls on the Macao government to release him immediately.

Au served nearly 20 years in Macao’s legislature, advocated democratic reforms, and organized annual commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. The court convicted him of subversion, breaching confidentiality, and contacting overseas

Au’s sentence sends a chilling message to peaceful critics in Macao. The use of national security laws to criminalize political expression and contact with overseas groups further threatens freedom of expression.

HRF condemns the detention of Cuban journalist @yoanisanchez in Havana amid a new crackdown against independent voices in the island. All democracies must call for the immediate release of Sánchez and all other journalists arbitrarily detained for exercising their profession and fundamental freedoms.

Sánchez appears to be another victim of a broader crackdown against independent journalists in Cuba. On Nov. 3, Camila Acosta was also arrested and released later that night after being held incommunicado for almost 8 hours. The day before, CubaNet contributor Adelth Bonne Gamboa was arrested and later released, but was also fined, threatened with a prison sentence, and had his equipment confiscated. democrata.es/en/internation…

Another independent journalist, Henry Constantín, was accused of “disobedience” and has been arbitrarily detained since Sept. 16. He was kept in an isolation cell for 15 days as punishment; his lawyers have denounced grave irregularities as he remains under precautionary detention. diariodecuba.com/derechos-human…

This week in financial freedom: North Korea steals $6.3 billion from Binance, a Russian gets 13 years for $700 in digital asset donations, and Serbia's students vote out Vučić after 12 years in power.

The latest in the Financial Freedom Report: financialfreedomreport.org

A CCP controlled Hong Kong court has sentenced pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong on concocted charges of foreign collusion under the CCP’s sweeping National Security Law. Chairman @RepMoolenaar has issued the following statement:

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) has issued a statement condemning the sentencing of human rights lawyer Anon Nampa to an additional 2 years and 8 months in prison on a royal defamation charge and calls for the unconditional and immediate release of Anon and other prisoners of ber Anon and four other activists were found guilty of royal defamation over speeches given at a protest on 25 November 2020 and sentenced to 2 years and 8 months in prison. Anon is now facing a cumulative prison sentence of 34 years and 5 months.

Link in reply.

HRF and partner organizations issued a joint statement condemning the Hong Kong government for handing down an additional 10-year sentence to pro-democracy leader Joshua Wong. It is his second sentence under the National Security Law, which has contributed to the rapid deterioration of freedoms in Hong Kong. Read the full statement here: freedomhouse.org/article/hong-k…

Most professional fellowships aren’t built for people who risk their freedom to do their work.

HRF’s Freedom Fellowship is. Up to 15 human rights advocates, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders — people like Zilala Mamat, a 22-year-old Uyghur advocate separated from her a year of hands-on mentorship across movement building, leadership, digital security, media, fundraising, and nonviolent strategy, powered by our partnership with CANVAS and its founder Srđa Popović.

A community of activists who amplify each other’s work around the world — and carry each other through it. Learn more about the Freedom Fellowship → hrf.org/program/freedo…