Authorities detained a prominent rights lawyer who had recently defended women protesting the obligatory Islamic headscarf
Political Dissidents articles on Democracy Chronicles
In this political dissidents section, DC highlights people who actively challenge established dictatorships, putting their lives on the line for democracy. Also see our entire section on the Political Dissidents who fight dictators around the world or our main section on World Democracy.
Russian Opposition Leader Navalny Released From Jail
Navalny was freed Thursday after serving a 30-day jail sentence for his role in organizing massive protests
Egypt Arrests Leave Few Vocal Critics of Dictator el-Sissi
Prominent el-Sissi critics detained in what opposition activists say is an intensifying effort to crush all dissent
Crackdown Hits Egyptian Activists, Bloggers and Journalists
UN human rights office reports prominent bloggers, activists and journalists arbitrarily arrested and subjected to interrogation
Students’ Trial a Focal Point in Turkish Crackdown Criticism
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeled the students terrorists for protesting the military operation in Syria
Russia Urged to Let Doctors See Hunger-Striker Oleg Sentsov
Sentsov, a pro-Ukrainian activist and documentary director, was detained in Crimea in 2014 after Russia annexed it
Prosecutor Says 17 Detained in Case Against Saudi Women Activists
Crackdown targeted prominent women’s rights campaigners just weeks before the country lifts its ban on women driving
Nicaragua Violence Against Civil Society Reaches New Peak
Nicaraguan authorities are increasingly targeting peaceful protestors and human rights activists with intimidation and violent attacks
Mother of Activist Jailed by Iran Says He’s on Hunger Strike
Mother says her son has been on a hunger strike for a month to raise awareness about poor conditions at his prison
Rights Groups Warn of Continued Purge of Chinese Rights Lawyers
Penalties imposed by the country’s judicial system have created a chilling effect on the local community of right defenders