Rayburn 2212
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WASHINGTON—Across the globe, individuals continue to be targeted, arrested, and imprisoned for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Persecution on political grounds represents a fundamental violation of human rights and democratic principles. Autocrats and dictators’ unjust detention of political prisoners undermines the rule of law, stifles free expression, and erodes the fabric of civil society. It also takes an unimaginably heavy toll on their families and loved ones. Importantly, as is the case with Belarus and Russia, it lays the groundwork for intensified aggression against their own population and neighbor states.
The hearing will explore the root causes of political imprisonment, examine specific cases of concern, and identify strategies for promoting accountability. By highlighting these injustices, the hearing aims to galvanize domestic and international attention and action to address this pressing issue. It will also look at U.S. and global strategies to reaffirm our collective resolve to safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their political beliefs, civic activism, or other affiliations. The hearing will foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by political prisoners and their families, and the broader implications for democracy, human rights, regional stability, and global security.
The following witnesses are scheduled to testify:
- Hon. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Leader of Democratic Belarus
- Ms. Þórhildur Sunna Ævarsdóttir, the General Rapporteur for Political Prisoners of the Council of Europe
- Ms. Annie Wilcox Boyajian, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Freedom House.
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