Press Release
☷One Year Anniversary of WithoutJustCause Political Prisoners Initiative United States Department of State
U.S. Department of State ( By Press Release office)
Jan 12,2024
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One year ago , the United States launched the #WithoutJustCause campaign to draw global attention to the injustice faced by political prisoners worldwide , to share their stories , and to increase pressure for their release . The individuals featured in this initiative come from various backgrounds and occupations , including religious leaders , activists , businesspeople , and former government officials . As the #WithoutJustCause campaign enters its second year , the United States once again calls for the freedom of these brave men and women , as well as the release of every single person who is unjustly imprisoned anywhere in the world . For more information about the campaign , visit https://www . state . gov/withoutjustcause . For media inquiries , please contact DRL - Press@state . gov . Around the world , approximately one million people are currently locked up as political prisoners . Among them are individuals who have been unfairly detained for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms , or simply because of their race , religion , ethnicity , or sexual orientation . Take , for example , Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez , who has been wrongly imprisoned for over 500 days and is currently serving a 26 - year sentence in solitary confinement . Or Russian pro - democracy opposition politician Vladimir Kara - Murza , who was sentenced to 25 years for criticizing Russia ' s brutal war against Ukraine . Iranian lawyer Narges Mohammadi is another victim , as the Iranian regime tried to bring additional charges against her after she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her activism in promoting human rights and women ' s equality . Dr . Gulshan Abbas , a retired physician and ethnic Uyghur , was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Chinese authorities on unfounded charges , despite having preexisting medical conditions that require regular care . And let ' s not forget Tajik human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov , who was convicted of fraud without any evidence and had 10 more years added to his already unjust 28 - year sentence in July . These individuals , along with many others , symbolize the hope that autocratic leaders are trying to snuff out in their countries . They are crucial voices in holding their governments accountable and promoting democratic governance .
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