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Dear John,

Free Them All: The Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners is a Freedom House program that conducts targeted advocacy in a limited number of emblematic cases of political imprisonment worldwide. These cases involve ruthless repression of human rights defenders, journalists, and prodemocracy activists, who were snatched from their families and communities, imprisoned, and prevented from doing their work.

These brave individuals dared to speak truth to power, expose corruption and abuse, highlight rights violations, and defy dictatorial regimes, often knowing they could be imprisoned—or worse. 

Click below for the latest updates on our 11 emblematic cases.

Learn More About Free Them All

Through this program, Freedom House works to secure the release of political prisoners, support their families, and promote democratic freedoms by raising awareness about authoritarian regimes that detain human rights defenders, journalists, and prodemocracy activists.

"Lives Held in Suspense"

Authoritarian governments around the world use a variety of mobility controls—including revoking citizenship, passport restrictions, denial of consular services, and travel bans—to coerce and punish dissidents, activists, journalists, and ordinary people. Learn more by reading our report, No Way In or Out.

Taking Action To Help Political Prisoners

To counter authoritarianism, support freedom's advocates, and prevent future waves of repression, democratic governments, public and private donors, and civil society organizations should monitor for political imprisonment and civil death tactics, and take action when they are present.

Explore the Freedom Map

Freedom in the World 2025 is now live! Click below to explore scores, statuses, and country reports on our interactive Freedom Map.

Freedom House in the News

Defend Democracy,

Champion Freedom.