Hearing TODAY -- Transnational Repression: Trends and Policy Approaches Details and livestream: humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/hearing…

Journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko has finally been released from prison. He was arrested by #Russia after reporting on social and ecological issues impacting Crimean Tatars in occupied #Crimea. His release is welcome, but he should never have been imprisoned. #DefendingFreedoms

Today marks the United Nations Int'l Day in Support of Victims of Torture. More than a quarter of the political prisoners represented in the #DefendingFreedoms Project are known to have experienced torture. Read more about them here: humanrightscommission.house.gov/DFP

HEARING RECAP: Witness testimonies, Cochair remarks, additional information, and full video of the hearing on transnational repression can be found at humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/hearing…

Hearing Notice -- Pakistan: Ongoing Political Repression Date: Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM Location: Rayburn 2255 Details: humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/hearing…

Four years ago, The Nobel Prize for Peace laureate Ales Bialiatski was sentenced to 10 years in prison on politically motivated charges for his human rights advocacy. Belarus must release him immediately & without conditions. Steve Cohen is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate. #FreeViasna

Today marks 16 years since the arrest of Uyghur activist Gulmira Imin by Chinese authorities after protesting the deaths of Uyghur migrant workers. China must release her immediately and without conditions.

Hearing TOMORROW -- Pakistan: Ongoing Political Repression Date: Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 Time: 3:30 - 5:30 PM EST Location: Rayburn 2255 Details: humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/hearing…

Today, on #MandelaDay2025, we honor Nelson Mandela—jailed for 27 years for opposing apartheid and demanding equality. Mandela’s legacy urges us to stand with all those still jailed for defending human rights.

Join us on July 23 at 2 pm for a virtual briefing on Challenges for Peace and Human Rights in Colombia. humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/hearing…

Join us tomorrow, July 23 at 2pm for a virtual briefing on Challenges for Peace and Human Rights in Colombia. humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/hearing…

Two years ago, economist & democracy advocate Gubad Ibadoghlu was detained. Despite serious health concerns & international calls for his release, he remains unjustly held under house arrest. We call on Azerbaijan to release him immediately. #FreeGubad

On the anniversary of Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo Pérez’s sentencing, we thank Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, his #DefendingFreedoms advocate, for her ongoing support. We echo calls for his immediate & unconditional release along with hundreds of other Cuban political prisoners. #FreeMaykel

Materials from the briefing “Colombia: Challenges for Peace and Human Rights,” along with a recording of the briefing, are now available on our website: humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/hearing…

Seven years ago today, Samar Badawi was detained for her fearless advocacy for women’s rights, including challenging the male guardianship system. Now released, she remains under a travel ban. Saudi Arabia must lift all restrictions immediately and without conditions.

Today, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we must not forget the millions exploited through force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights. The international community must strengthen efforts to protect victims & #EndTrafficking.

July 31 marks three years since #Bahai activists Fariba Kamalabadi & Mahvash Sabet were detained. Both are sentenced to 10 years in prison. Iran must release them immediately & without conditions. Suzanne Bonamici & Jan Schakowsky are their respective #DefendingFreedoms advocates.