Mothers, wives, and children of political prisoners in Venezuela completed a three-month continuous vigil outside El Helicoide prison.

Cuba's recent pardons have been criticized as a 'propaganda spectacle,' with reports indicating that only common criminals, not political opponents, have been released from Castro's prisons.

Azerbaijan is reportedly increasing pressure against 'political prisoners,' with one human rights activist speculating that this could be a precursor to some prisoners being released soon.

Iran has reportedly executed two additional political prisoners, raising concerns among human rights organizations about the country's judicial practices.

Donald Trump's special envoy, John Coale, shared an anecdote at the McCain Institute about drinking vodka with Aliaksandr Lukashenka to negotiate the release of political prisoners.

Freed Belarusian political prisoners arrive in Lithuania after US-brokered deal  LRT

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko freed 250 prisoners on Thursday - the biggest batch to be released so far - in return for a further easing of US sanctions, the US embassy in neighbouring…

Belarus has released 250 political prisoners after a deal between the country and the US, the US embassy in Lithuania reports.

Belarus has released 250 political prisoners, with media outlets publishing some of the names, though journalist and activist Andrzej Poczobut was not among those freed.

A US delegation, described as a Trump envoy, visited Minsk for discussions with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka. Key topics included organizing a potential visit by Lukashenka to the US, the release of political prisoners, and the situation in the Middle East.

Lawyers, mothers, and activists in Venezuela persist in their struggle for political prisoners, demanding that the government's amnesty apply to those still incarcerated.

The release of 123 political prisoners in Belarus, reportedly based on an agreement with the United States, has raised questions about the future of Alexander Lukashenka's regime. However, Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski's testimony from Prague suggests that repression continues and the opposition remains in exile.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado claims the transitional government is selectively releasing political prisoners, despite an amnesty law passed in February, suggesting not all are being freed.

Venezuelan opposition leader Corina Machado has accused the Venezuelan government of seeking to 'prolong terror' and selectively applying amnesty laws to political prisoners. Her statements come amidst ongoing political tensions in the country.

Rūta Katrina Juškaitė, a former deportee, chairwoman of the Kelmė branch of the Political Prisoners and Deportees Society, a doctor, and niece of partisan general and chairman of the Lithuanian Freedom Fight Movement Council Presidium, has passed away at the age of 88.

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Wednesday denied the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) was on the verge of a scabies outbreak after a support group of political prisoners complained of difficulties in getting in medicines to the overcrowded facility. In a statement on Wednesday, BuCor assured families of persons deprived of liberty

President Nicușor Dan issued a message on the annual Day of Anti-Communist Political Prisoners (March 9th), emphasizing the importance of protecting the truth about the past and remembering victims of the communist regime.

Rabat – Rights groups warned this week that prisoners in Iran are facing increasing risks during the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, as air strikes and a nationwide internet blackout…

A humanitarian organization claims that President Nayib Bukele's administration is holding 86 political prisoners in El Salvador, a situation not seen since the civil war.

Venezuela's government has released political prisoners following an amnesty law, though an NGO reports about 500 detainees remain.

Yekaterina Duntsova, a former presidential hopeful, was briefly detained by police in Tver, Russia, while attending an event for political prisoners.

Venezuelan courts, particularly those in Caracas specializing in terrorism, are experiencing 'total collapse' due to the high volume of cases related to political prisoners under the new Amnesty Law, according to an NGO.

Interim president Delcy Rodriguez vowed on Monday to welcome Venezuelans living abroad back home following a new amnesty law, as authorities released dozens of political prisoners and moved to signal a thaw in relations with the West.

More than 200 Venezuelan political prisoners were on hunger strike Sunday to demand their release under a new amnesty law that excludes many of them. The inmates at the Rodeo I prison, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of capital Caracas, shouted to their loved ones as part of the protest.

At least 23 political prisoners have been released in Venezuela, including seven members of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's Vente Venezuela party.

Over 200 political prisoners in Venezuela's Rodeo I prison have launched a hunger strike, demanding a broader amnesty law as they are not covered by the recently approved, criticized amnesty bill.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike to protest their exclusion from a new amnesty law following the ouster of President Maduro.

Inmates in a prison in Caracas are protesting that they are not covered by a new amnesty law in Venezuela.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have reportedly launched a hunger strike.

Jorge Rodríguez argued that the Coexistence and Peace Program, created in January by Delcy Rodríguez, could analyze cases and recommend measures “for people not covered” by the amnesty.

Venezuela has granted amnesty to 379 political prisoners, a move that could potentially ease political tensions within the country.

Protesters were outside hotel in Washington demanding the release of political prisoners in Azerbaijan Bodyguards traveling with the Azerbaijani president, who was visiting Washington for the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, punched, kicked and chased protesters outside a Washington hotel on Thursday, video footage shows. Demonstrators calling for the release of political prisoners were driven from the street near the motorcade of Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani leader. Continue reading...

IT has been a worrying week for the PTI as the news about Imran Khan’s health became public and dominated news headlines and private conversations. From the sketchy information that came out initially, it appeared that he had some problem with his eye and has lost up to 85 per cent of his vision in that eye. This was reported by lawyer Salman Safdar, after his court-appointed visit to Khan at Adiala jail, though there had been news reports about the matter earlier. According to Safdar, the percentage was communicated to Khan by the doctors who examined him. The government’s earlier reaction appeared a bit inexplicable. It took the government days to confirm the problem, after it had been reported in the media. And then it did nothing while the Supreme Court woke up to take notice, sending Safdar to the jail. Over the weekend, there were reports that a team of doctors had been sent to the jail to examine him, while his family and personal doctors continued to wait for access. As the family and party refused to accept the government’s decision of giving access to only certain individuals (rather than the family being allowed to choose the person) the examination was carried out at the jail by doctors without any relative present. The party is trying to build up pressure through protests and sit-ins, which seems to cause no sleepless nights to the government. This is so despite reports that KP is cut off from the rest of the country. The PTI is getting criticised for this though it is hard to understand why the federal government is ignoring it. To return to Adiala, this is a good time for a reminder that health issues, especially of imprisoned political prisoners, should not be downplayed or treated lightly. For this reason, the government should provide all help possible to Khan; this includes allowing his family and personal doctors access to him, so they can take decisions on his health, instead of the government making the call on which experts should conduct the examination and which family members can be present. This reeks of callousness. The reports of Khan’s ill health have added fuel to the talk of a probable deal. However, there is a political angle to this entire crisis. The reports of Khan’s ill health have added fuel to the talk of a probable deal or ‘dheel’, as it seems to share some parallels with the platelets issue which allowed Nawaz Sharif to be freed and flown to London. In fact, the question being asked again and again in Islamabad is if this is Platelets 2, implying that some backroom deal is being worked out. It is important to point out that the rumours did not just emerge as a result of health worries but also because of the events of the past couple of weeks where the cooperation between the federal and provincial governments improved. Once this happened, the allegations of drugs and other criminal activities directed at Chief Minister Sohail Afridi gave way to praise for his cooperation with Islamabad. So once the reports of the illness emerged, it simply lent credence to rumours that something was cooking. At the moment, it is hard for those of us who live away from Constitution Avenue to comment on these rumours with any authority. And beca­u­­se I would like to feel better about my ignorance, perhaps some of those living on Constitution Avenue may also be as ill-informed as the rest of us mortals. Despite this, there is much support for the idea of a deal. For many within the PTI think it would provide respite to Khan and others and allow them to bide their time for a return to power (as in the case of other politicians in the past). On the government side, it is seen as a way to bring some stability to the situation, allowing the focus to remain on the economy. But all of this ignores a larger issue, beyond the comfort of those in power and in the opposition. In other words, beyond the level of high politics, where the players tend to be the establishment, the parties and individuals, what will this deal bring to dissatisfied people who have been feeding into the popularity and stature of Khan? Indeed, it is this anger which has resurrected Khan and the PTI each time a fatal blow has been struck in the direction of the party in what is ‘high politics’. Be it the forcible exits from the PTI of the more well-known faces or the decision to deprive the party of its symbol — popular support for it has ensured that none of these steps proved sufficient. So it is perhaps worth asking what the impact of such a ‘deal’ would be. Suppose the deal does disillusion the supporters of Khan and undermines his popularity in a way similar to Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N. (The economy and its poor performance landed the second blow on N’s popularity.) And then what options will be left for the people to still stay engaged in electoral politics. Will they opt for other, smaller political parties? Or will they look around for more radical options? The point here is that the establishment needs to realise that it not going to be enough to win over politicians to its side; this is not what will make the system more stable. For the system to be more stable, it is not enough to quieten politicians such as Sharif or Khan and then revel in the decline of their popularity. For real stability, the anger of the people will have to be understood and then addressed through a more equitable economic system and by giving them a voice. Instead of focusing on high politics, it might help if for once attention were paid to the level at which people operate and exist. After all, electoral politics in Balochistan was tamed some time ago, but stability continues to be elusive. The writer is a journalist. Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026

An NGO is advocating for the release of hundreds of political prisoners still held in Venezuela, despite ongoing pressure from the United States.

Political prisoners in Venezuela have begun to be released, with many reflecting on the profound meaning of freedom after their incarceration.

During Holy Week in Venezuela, families of political prisoners prayed for their release, while the traditional burning of Judas effigies served as a symbolic protest against ongoing censorship in the country.

Portugal's Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities stated that Portugal is seeking clear signals from Venezuela regarding political prisoners, having secured the release of four Portuguese-descendant political prisoners this year through diplomatic efforts.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stated that while the release of political prisoners is a priority, the ultimate goal is to liberate the entire country, following the Minsk regime's release of several hundred detainees.

José Luis Carneiro, a Portuguese official, is scheduled to meet with Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez to discuss the liberation of Luso-Venezuelan political detainees and the situation of the Portuguese community.

Despite the release of other prominent political prisoners by Alexander Lukashenka, Polish journalist and minority leader Andrzej Poczobut remains sentenced to eight years in a labor camp, exposing the perceived ineffectiveness of Polish diplomacy.

Autoritetet e Bjellorusisë liruan sot 250 të burgosur si pjesë e një marrëveshjeje me SHBA-në, ndërsa Uashingtoni nga ana tjetër lehtësoi sanksionet kundër sektorit financiar dhe të kaliumit të…

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian democratic movement, reported that as of today, there are 1,140 political prisoners in Belarus. She called for the release of all political prisoners and for fair elections.

An article argues that any potential deal with Cuba must be contingent on Havana releasing political prisoners, warning that an agreement without this condition would only enable further repression.

Following a visit by a U.S. delegation to Minsk on March 18, a decision is expected on the release of a group of political prisoners.

Castro's grandson, known as 'Crab,' is reportedly in discussions with the American administration, following the recent release of several political prisoners on the island who had been incarcerated since the mass student protests in July 2021.

A non-governmental organization reported yesterday that Cuban authorities released 14 people who had been detained after anti-government protests in July 2021. The releases...

Sviatlana Cihanouska, leader of the Belarusian opposition, stated in an interview that President Alexander Lukashenka released some political prisoners due to international sanctions, not out of humanity.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe among more than 100 signatories to letter urging PM not to get drawn further into the conflict Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is among three of Iran’s former political prisoners…

Under the slogan They Count, hundreds of activists and relatives of female political prisoners marched this Sunday in Caracas as part of International Women’s Day to demand an amnesty without…

Relatives and inmates express fear of bombings and executions in the fog of war, demanding release but with little hope.

Rights groups warned this week that prisoners in Iran – thousands of whom were detained during recent anti-government protests – are being refused shelter during US and Israeli strikes and face…

NGOs are denouncing failures in Venezuela's newly approved amnesty law, stating it has a limited scope and excludes dozens of political prisoners, including military personnel.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani spoke with Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez, focusing on the need to free Italian political prisoners held by the regime.

More than 540 political prisoners have been released in Venezuela since January 8, according to the legal rights NGO Foro Penal.

Thirty political prisoners have been released in Venezuela following an amnesty law, though human rights advocates deem the law insufficient as it excludes military-related cases.

Over 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike, demanding their release and protesting their exclusion from a recently passed amnesty law.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike, demanding their release under a new amnesty law that many of them do not qualify for.

Another 23 political prisoners were released yesterday Sunday in Venezuela, under the amnesty law adopted under pressure from the US, announced the non-governmental organization Foro Penal. Among them

More than 200 'political' prisoners in Venezuela have declared a hunger strike, including both Venezuelans and foreigners, following the release of 80 other individuals under an amnesty law.

More than 200 Venezuelan political prisoners began a hunger strike on Sunday, demanding inclusion in a new amnesty law they say excludes many detainees, particularly those facing military-related charges. The law, approved by Congress last week, forms part of reforms backed by Washington after former president Nicolas Maduro’s January ouster.

More than 200 political prisoners, including two of the six Spanish-Venezuelans still detained, have declared a hunger strike in El Rodeo 1, a Venezuelan prison known as 'hell'.

More than 1,500 Venezuelan political prisoners have applied for amnesty, an announcement made by the head of Venezuela's National Assembly amidst ongoing US pressure following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.

More than 1,500 individuals imprisoned in Venezuela for political reasons have applied for release under the country's new provisions.

Venezuela has granted amnesty to 379 political prisoners, a move that could potentially ease political tensions within the country.

Greece intervened to stop the online auction of photos depicting political prisoners just before their execution by Nazis in 1944.

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez signed an amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners.

Venezuela's National Assembly is set to resume a tense debate on a sweeping amnesty bill, a legislative move with significant implications for the country's political prisoners and exiles.

Venezuela is in a new political phase after President Nicolas Maduro's removal. Delcy Rodriguez now leads an interim administration. Diplomatic ties with Washington are restoring. The oil sector is opening to private operators. Hundreds of detainees have been released. However, the security apparatus remains. Elections are not yet announced. Key figures of the old establishment continue in power.

A series of incidents highlight the ongoing unrest and human rights issues in Iran, including a public assault on unveiled women, global protests against the regime, and reports of persecution and abuse of political prisoners. The country's appointment to a UN body also sparked international uproar.

An article fact-checks a claim regarding the number of political prisoners in Portugal before and after the 25 de Abril Revolution, concluding that the number was significantly smaller after the revolution compared to the dictatorship era.

The Cuban government has announced another prisoner release, though it specified that those who committed 'crimes against authority,' a charge often applied to political prisoners, would not be included.

Myanmar's military junta has elected a business supremo as Vice-President and its lawmakers are now putting the junta chief on the path to presidency, prompting a pro-democracy group to demand the release of political prisoners and rights protections as the new government takes shape.

The US Treasury Department has partially lifted sanctions on Belarus's Ministry of Finance and Development Bank, and fully removed Belarusian potash companies from the sanctions list, following the release of political prisoners.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenka has released 250 political prisoners, but journalist and independent activist Andrzej Poczobut remains in prison, raising questions about the reasons behind his continued detention.

Belarusian opposition figure Pavel Łatuszka thanked the United States for its efforts to secure the release of approximately 250 political prisoners, stating that President Lukashenka 'trades people like goods'. He also commented on the US strategy of easing sanctions against Minsk.

Belarus released 250 political prisoners following negotiations with the United States, according to a US envoy.

Belarus has released 235 political prisoners, with an additional 15 individuals released and sent to Lithuania, according to the US Embassy in Lithuania.

Belarusian opposition media channels are reporting that a group of released Belarusian political prisoners is expected to arrive in Lithuania.

Antanas Rašinskas, a former exile, long-time chairman of the Union of Political Prisoners and Exiles in Šilalė, and recipient of the Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė memorial medal, has passed away.

Daughters of victims of the communist regime and members of the Confederation of Political Prisoners of Slovakia (KPVS) have sent an open letter to the leadership of Slovak Television and Radio, defending a dismissed editor.

Text read at the presentation of the book "In the 1975 Earthquake", dedicated to the often-forgotten political prisoners of the Revolution, especially the author's father, Ruy Moreira.

Cuban authorities released 14 political prisoners on Friday, following ongoing discussions with Washington and under significant pressure from Donald Trump.

Cuba began releasing political prisoners on Friday, a day after the government announced the early release of 51 individuals under the auspices of the Vatican.

According to the NGO Foro Penal, 508 political prisoners are currently held in Venezuela, with 19,012 political arrests documented since 2014 in the South American country.

President urges Romanians to remember ‘courage of those who turned suffering into dignity’ under Communist rule.

Venezuela has announced the release of a new group of political prisoners, a development in the country's ongoing political landscape.

Self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a decree pardoning 18 convicted individuals, 15 of whom had been sentenced under "extremism" articles.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a decree pardoning 18 convicted individuals, with 15 of them having been sentenced for 'extremist crimes' and considered political prisoners.

Junts has replaced the yellow ribbons on the seats of Puigdemont and Puig in the Catalan Parliament, symbolizing support for political prisoners.

The Venezuelan parliament has passed a groundbreaking amnesty law, leading to the release of nearly two hundred political prisoners and signaling an end to decades of state repression under Maduro and Chávez.

Under pressure from Washington, Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez has announced an amnesty for political prisoners and reforms to open the oil sector to private investment.

Despite some political prisoners being released in Transnistria as part of negotiations with Chisinau, former official Gennady Kuzmichev remains imprisoned despite his severe health condition.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have reportedly launched a hunger strike to protest their detention conditions.

Over 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have started a hunger strike, dissatisfied with a new amnesty law that excludes many of them. Several prisoners have since been released.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela launch hunger strike  The Daily Star

More than fifty political prisoners have been released without restrictions in Venezuela, thanks to a new Amnesty Law, as the government reopens its prisons.

The announcement by the head of Venezuela's National Assembly comes amid US pressure following the capture of ex-President Nicolás Maduro.

On Thursday, the Venezuelan parliament unanimously approved the amnesty law, which is expected to allow the release of hundreds of prisoners The post Venezuela: Amnesty granted to 379 political prisoners appeared first on ProtoThema English.

Venezuela's parliament has passed a bill to grant amnesty to individuals detained under previous regimes, though human rights groups are calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners, citing the bill's limited scope.

Venezuela's new government has released hundreds of political detainees, prompting questions about the true extent of their freedom.

Relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike in a Caracas prison, protesting unfulfilled promises of their release made by Jorge Rodríguez 10 days prior.

An NGO reports that hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated in Venezuela, with growing international pressure, including from the US, for their release.

Families of political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike, demanding the swift liberation of dissidents held by the government.