News
Statement to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention During the 63rd UN Human Rights Council
On September 15, 2026, Freedom Now delivered a statement to UN Human Rights Council, urging the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to continue documenting examples of transnational repression and calling on Member States to prevent, investigate, and refrain from committing or facilitating transnational repression in any form.
Rwanda: Former Military Officer Tom Byabagamba Has Passed Away in Prison
Freedom Now is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former military officer and political prisoner Tom Byabagamba on August 25. We extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time.
Philippines: UN Declares Detention of Human Rights Activists Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle Domequil, and Alexander Abinguna a Violation of International Law
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has determined the Philippines violated international human rights law by detaining human rights activists Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle Domequil, and Alexander Abinguna.
Rwanda: Freedom Now Welcomes UN Opinion Condemning Rwanda’s Detention of Opposition Leader, Victoire Ingabire
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF), Freedom Now and Lantos Foundation for Human Rights celebrate the decision of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which finds that the detention of prominent Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire is arbitrary and in violation of international law.
Nomination of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026
Freedom Now, the Human Rights Foundation, and the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice are proud to announce their nomination of Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize.
Karakalpakstan/Uzbekistan: CSP reacts to Tazhimuratov verdict
Freedom Now and the Civic Solidarity Platform (CSP) strongly condemn the recent decision by an Uzbekistan court to extend the prison sentence of Karakalpak activist Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov from 16 to 18.5 years.
Kyrgyzstan: UN Working Group Petition Filed on behalf of Tilekmat Kudaibergen uluu
On May 4, 2026, Freedom Now and the law firm Hausfeld LLP filed a petition with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of Kyrgyzstani activist Tilekmat Kudaibergen uulu.
Azerbaijan: Council of Europe Must Act on Forced Return of Afgan Sadigov
Freedom Now and seven international human rights organizations call for urgent action following the forced return of journalist Afgan Sadigov from Georgia to Azerbaijan.
Kazakhstan: Freedom Now Condemns Sentencing of 18 Human Rights Activists
Freedom Now strongly condemns the conviction of 18 members of the Kazakhstani human rights organization Atajurt on charges related to their involvement in a peaceful protest.
Indonesia: Freedom Now Petitions UN on behalf of Lawyer Delpedro Marhaen
On April 7, 2026, Freedom Now filed a petition with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of Indonesian lawyer and civil society leader Delpedro Marhaen.
Joint Statement calling for the release of Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire
Freedom Now, the Human Rights Foundation, and the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice renew our call for the release of Victoire Ingabire.
Write a Letter to Azerbaijani Political Prisoner Tofig Yagublu
Please join us in sending messages of solidarity and encourage to Tofig, an opposition politician who has been wrongfully imprisoned in Azerbaijan since December 2023.
Donate Today and Help Free a Prisoner of Conscience
Can you imagine a doctor being imprisoned just for treating a patient, or a journalist detained simply for publishing an article critical of his government?