Former political prisoners in Myanmar recount systematic torture, sexual abuse, and neglect in prisons, including invasive strip-searches and threats of rape. Despite recent amnesties and political changes, activists like Thazin and Ma Khaing state abuses continue, with many still detained.
Iranian writer Hamid Asefi and others report severe beatings, torture, and deaths in custody following arrests amid a wider crackdown. Detainees describe physical abuse, starvation, mock executions, and sexual assault, with rights groups documenting widespread ill-treatment.
During a summit, Donald Trump discussed the cases of Christian pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and media mogul Jimmy Lai with China's Xi Jinping. While Xi indicated consideration for the pastor's release, Lai's case was deemed 'tough.' Families expressed gratitude for Trump's support, but no further developments have been announced.
Venezuela's opposition is demanding the release of political prisoners and calling for elections after a promised release failed to occur. Opponents are targeting the U.S.-backed interim government.
A report by QMUL and Defend Our Juries claims the UK is creating 'new political prisoners' by jailing climate and Palestine activists. The study highlights increased anti-protest laws, lengthy sentences, and the use of civil injunctions leading to custodial sentences.
Venezuelan Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez announced the release of 300 political prisoners by the end of the week, calling it a unilateral gesture from the government. The beneficiaries include vulnerable individuals, and the releases are based on humanitarian grounds, not a previous amnesty law.
Iran has seen a surge in executions of political prisoners since the start of the war, with at least 32 verified by the UN. Activists accuse the regime of using the death penalty to suppress dissent and restore authority.
Human rights groups in Venezuela have criticized interim President Delcy Rodríguez for saying a scheme to release political prisoners was ending after just nine weeks. Nearly 500 prisoners have been released under the amnesty law, but more than 500 are thought to remain incarcerated. Groups including Foro Penal and Provea called the move arbitrary and unconstitutional, with Foro Penal stating only another legislative act or referendum could undo the law.
Belarusian journalist Katsiaryna Andreeva, released in March 2026 after five years in prison for filming protests against Lukashenko, describes her ordeal including hard labor in a sewing factory and psychological pressure. She was freed as part of a US-brokered deal involving sanctions relief, but her husband remains incarcerated. Out of 1,300 prisoners promised, only 500 have been released. 'I will only truly feel free once my husband is back by my side,' she said.
Cuba has rejected US demands to release political prisoners as part of new diplomatic talks, with Cuban Ambassador to the UN Ernesto Soberón Guzmán stating internal issues regarding detainees are not on the negotiating table. The comments came as an American delegation held secret meetings in Havana on April 10 for the first time in a decade. Tensions have escalated over the US energy blockade, with Cuba preparing for potential military aggression while seeking a successful dialogue.
