Seasoned human rights advocate to lead organization
Washington, D.C., December 14, 2023 – The board of directors of Freedom Now announced today that Andrea J. Prasow will be Freedom Now’s next executive director. Prasow is a human rights advocate and attorney known for her defense of the wrongfully detained and her advocacy in support of international human rights.
Freedom Now is known for its work protecting individuals and communities from government repression and defending human rights through direct legal support, targeted high-leverage advocacy, and capacity-building analysis and assistance.
“We are thrilled that Andrea will lead us into the next phase of our defense of human rights around the world,” said Jeremy Zucker, chair of the board of Freedom Now. “Andrea’s substantial experience as a human rights lawyer, her record of passionate advocacy, and her leadership skills will help Freedom Now sustain and expand its valuable work and advance its mission. As long as there is government repression, Freedom Now will defend human rights.”
Prasow will lead Freedom Now’s current programs, including its provision of direct legal support to detained human rights defenders, its advocacy before national governments and regional and multinational bodies, and its capacity-building programs. Prasow will be Freedom Now’s second executive director. She replaces Maran Turner, who departs the organization at the end of 2023 after 15 years of service.
“I am thrilled to be joining an organization with a tremendous track record for real-world impact,” Prasow said. “Freedom Now’s reputation, credibility and wide network of lawyers work together to give hope to the wrongfully detained and strike fear in the hearts of dictators. It’s an incredible privilege to join the team and lead it forward into its next chapter.”
Prasow is a seasoned human rights professional with a global reputation. Most recently, she was the executive director of the Freedom Initiative, an organization dedicated to advocating for prisoners wrongfully detained in the Middle East and North Africa. Prior to that role she spent 12 years at Human Rights Watch where she conducted international advocacy on global human rights issues with a focus on national security and foreign policy. She also served as a defense lawyer in the Office of Military Commissions, representing detainees in Guantanamo charged in the military commission system. In private practice, she served as habeas counsel for detainees in Guantanamo, and practiced corporate litigation. Andrea holds an Honors B.A. from the University of Toronto in political science and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
Prasow will begin her role on January 2, 2024.
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