Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

Dear John,

You may have seen the news last week that 52 political prisoners were released from detention in Belarus. What you probably didn’t know was that Freedom House's team in Vilnius immediately mobilized to meet these individuals at the Belarus–Lithuania border and provided relocation assistance, medical care, and psychological support. 

We need your support today to help fund our critical programs providing emergency assistance to political prisoners around the world. 

Those released from political imprisonment are often forced into exile with nothing but the clothes on their backs. As a result, initial support for just one political prisoner and their family can range from $3,000 to $5,000 or more. In addition to housing, essential medical treatment, and psychosocial support, such funding covers dental care, basic personal supplies like clothing, and legal assistance. Many released individuals are survivors of horrid prison conditions and prolonged abuse, which makes these services not just urgent but lifesaving. 

There are an estimated one million political prisoners worldwide. From Iran to Venezuela, from Russia to Myanmar, authoritarian regimes are jailing thousands of activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who dare to speak out. Freedom House experts work around the clock to ensure that those released receive the dignity and care they deserve. 

To meet critical needs and better support those recently released, Freedom House is now working to raise up to $500,000 in additional funding. In light of this year’s cuts in government assistance and related reductions in staffing around the world, every dollar counts. We cannot address today’s challenges without your continued partnership. 

Please click here to pledge your support, and select “Political Prisoners Initiative” from the dropdown menu under “special projects,” or contact our Director of Development Meto Koloski at [email protected]. 

With our utmost gratitude,