Politically motivated prosecutions strike at the core OSCE commitments to human rights, rule of law, and democratic pluralism. Repressions against dissent, suppression of freedom of the press, persecution of outspoken journalists and lawyers, and the existence of many political prisoners are a sad reality for several OSCE participating states. International monitoring, legal aid, medical attention for prisoners, and coordinated diplomatic pressure remain essential tools to protect those unjustly detained.
Political prisoners are a stark reminder of the gap between OSCE human-rights commitments and practice, and addressing their plight remains a central democratic and humanitarian concern. In Russia, thousands face imprisonment for peaceful expression, with opposition figures, journalists, and anti-war activists jailed under “extremism,” “high treason” and “foreign agent” laws. In Belarus, hundreds of opposition members and civic activists, among them Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, remain behind bars, many suffering harsh prison conditions. In Georgia, opposition leaders and critics have faced selective prosecutions and detentions, raising concerns on rule-of-law backsliding amidst the ongoing repression. In Azerbaijan, journalists, activists, and human-rights defenders are routinely imprisoned on fabricated charges and subjected to unfair trials. In all five Central Asian republics, especially in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, harsh repression leaves almost no space for dissent, with political prisoners held in severe conditions. In Türkiye, dozens of journalists and opposition politicians are imprisoned on terrorism-related charges. Some governments’ concerted efforts have gotten rid of many independent lawyers in the OSCE region, making it increasingly difficult for the political prisoners to access any kind of legal defense. The event will feature remarks from experts, lawyers, and the family members of those imprisoned for speaking out the truth. The speakers will also focus on proposing measures and ideas on how the OSCE and its participating states can deal with these problems and break the cycle of persecution.
Speakers:
- Ruslan Myatiev, journalist and human rights defender, Turkmenistan
- Nino Tlashadze – human rights defender, Georgia
- Samad Rahimli, Human rights lawyer, Azerbaijan
- Marius Fossum, NHC Regional Representative in Central Asia
- Barish Altintas, Human Rights Lawyer, Türkiye
- Bakhytzhan Toregozhina, Human rights Defender, Kazakhstan
Besides the panelists, audience members will also take part as speakers, as the discussion will include input from audience commentators—among them NHC’s Secretary General Berit Lindeman, who will comment on the case of Belarus, and Gulshayir Abdirasulova, who will speak on Kyrgyzstan.
Moderator: Anna Zamejc, political analyst.
Kontakt oss
Employee