POLITICAL PRISONERS: Their Struggles Behind Bars

The world is home to countless stories of individuals who have paid a heavy price for their political beliefs and activism, locked away behind bars as political prisoners. 

In this blog post, we will delve deep into the world of political prisoners, exploring their definition, the factors that lead to their incarceration, and examining a few notable examples of individuals who have been deprived of their freedom for their political convictions.

WHAT IS A POLITICAL PRISONER?

To fully grasp the concept of political prisoners, it's crucial to distinguish them from regular inmates. Political prisoners are individuals detained or imprisoned by a government primarily due to their political beliefs, activities, or affiliations. This happens when they oppose or criticize the government, engage in activities challenging the established order, or advocate for political change contrary to the ruling authorities' interests or ideologies.

There isn't a legal definition of political prisoners in human rights laws. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was the first major intergovernmental organization to provide a concrete definition of political prisoners. According to their guidelines, a person is considered a political prisoner if they:

• Are imprisoned for political reasons unrelated to any criminal offense.
• Receive a sentence that is disproportionately severe or comes with harsh conditions compared to the offense committed.
• Experience discriminatory detention compared to others.
• Face incarceration through judicial proceedings that are evidently biased or unfair and motivated by political reasons.
• Endure detention that violates fundamental guarantees outlined in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), particularly regarding freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, information, assembly, and association.

Amnesty International refers to non-violent political prisoners as "prisoners of conscience." They define them as individuals who have not used or advocated violence or hatred in the circumstances leading to their imprisonment but are incarcerated solely because of their identity (such as sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, language, birth, gender, or economic status) or their beliefs (including religious, political, or other deeply held convictions).

Maria Kalesnikava sentenced to 11 years in prison in Belarus for protesting against the Lukashenko regime

THE ROAD TO INCARCERATION

Becoming a political prisoner often involves a tumultuous journey influenced by various factors and situations. Here are some common ways people find themselves in this situation:

• Expressing Dissent: A primary pathway to becoming a political prisoner is openly voicing criticism against the government. This can include speaking out against government policies, participating in protests, or sharing critical content on social media. Such actions can lead authorities to perceive individuals as threats and detain them.
• Involvement in Opposition: Governments frequently target political activists and members of opposition parties. Their efforts to challenge the established order and advocate for change can result in imprisonment.
• Journalism and Reporting: Journalists who uncover government corruption, human rights violations, or political dissent can become political prisoners when their reporting is seen as a threat to the ruling regime.
• Membership in Opposition Groups: Joining organizations that oppose government policies can lead to imprisonment. Such groups may be viewed as national security threats, leading to actions against their members.
• Civil Disobedience: Engaging in acts of nonviolent civil disobedience, like protests or sit-ins, can result in arrest and imprisonment if the government perceives these actions as undermining its authority.
• Advocating for Minority Rights: Championing the rights of marginalized or minority groups can also lead to detention, as governments may suppress such advocacy to maintain control over these populations.
• Foreign Passport: Some individuals have been imprisoned in specific countries due to their citizenship in or dual citizenship with a nation of interest to the government. These victims are often detained on arbitrary charges like espionage and used as bargaining chips in negotiations between governments. Such situations may be used for prisoner exchanges, easing sanctions, halting conflicts, or extorting money.

Vladimir Kara-Murz, incarcerated to 25 years in prison for advocating democracy. His sentence is one of the longest for a political prisoner in Russia. 

NOTABLE EXAMPLES OF POLITICAL PRISONERS

1. Nelson Mandela (South Africa): Nelson Mandela, a prominent figure in South Africa, was imprisoned due to his anti-apartheid activism. He fought against the racially oppressive government. In 1964, he received a life sentence for his involvement in planning actions against the government. After spending 27 years in prison, he was released in 1990 as part of a global campaign against apartheid, leading to reconciliation and the end of apartheid.

2. Aung San Suu Kyi (Myanmar): Aung San Suu Kyi, a respected Burmese politician and human rights advocate, faced imprisonment for her nonviolent efforts to promote democracy in Myanmar. She endured house arrest and prison between 1989 and 2010 as the ruling military junta aimed to suppress her influence. In 2010, she was released, resuming her political journey and becoming Myanmar's de facto leader. However, in 2021, she was detained following a military coup, with charges related to alleged election fraud. Her final sentencing, on December 30, 2022, was 27 years in prison.

3. Liu Xiaobo (China): Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese human rights activist and pro-democracy advocate, played a significant role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and later criticized the Chinese government's authoritarian policies. In 2009, he was imprisoned for co-authoring Charter 08, a manifesto advocating political reforms. Despite his incarceration, Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010, drawing international attention and condemning China's human rights record. Tragically, he passed away in 2017 while in Chinese custody.

4. Maria Kalesnikava (Belarus): Maria Kalesnikava was forcefully taken to the Belarusian border with Ukraine by plain-clothed security forces. She tore up her passport in protest when they tried to expel her from the country. Subsequently, she was sentenced to 11 years in a penal colony, in a closed-door trial in 2021. Maria Kalesnikava had been advocating for free and fair elections in Belarus and the protection of human rights.

5. Vladimir Kara-Murza (Russia): Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian activist, politician, and journalist, worked closely with Alexey Navalny, advocating for democracy and the rule of law in Russia. He survived two near-fatal poisonings and has been incarcerated since April 2022 for speaking out against Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. He was sentenced in April 2023 to 25 years in prison, in a "strict regime" prison colony. 

6. Kim Kuk-gi (North Korea): Kim Kuk-gi, a South Korean pastor, aided North Korean refugees in escaping from North Korea. He resided in Dandong, China for many years, assisting escapees in reaching South Korea. In 2015, he was sentenced to a North Korean labor camp, receiving a life sentence on charges of espionage.

These examples represent only a fraction of the many political prisoners worldwide. Their stories demonstrate the resilience and bravery of those who pay a high price for standing up for their principles.

Pastor Kim Kuk-gi, sentenced to life in prison in a North Korean labour camp for helping North Korean defectors 

THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL IMPRISONMENT

The consequences of political imprisonment are profound, affecting not only the individuals incarcerated but also society at large. One of the significant impacts of political imprisonment is the suppression of dissent. It serves as a powerful tool for governments to quell opposition and discourage others from voicing their critical views. The fear of imprisonment can lead to self-censorship, where individuals withhold their opinions and expressions, creating a climate of silence and conformity.

Moreover, political imprisonment often involves severe violations of human rights. These violations encompass basic principles such as freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, and protection from torture and ill-treatment. When political dissidents are imprisoned, these abuses reflect poorly on the government's commitment to upholding fundamental human rights. The imprisonment of individuals for their political beliefs or actions contradicts the principles of a just and democratic society.

Political imprisonment doesn't go unnoticed on the global stage. The detention of political prisoners frequently attracts international attention and condemnation. Advocacy groups, foreign governments, and international organizations are quick to respond. They call for the release of political prisoners and place diplomatic pressure on the incarcerating government to address the human rights abuses. This international scrutiny can lead to increased pressure on the detaining government to rectify the situation.

However, the impact of political imprisonment is not limited to the legal and diplomatic arenas. It extends to civil society, where it can galvanize solidarity and movements. Both domestically and internationally, the incarceration of political prisoners can become a catalyst for change. Protests, campaigns, and advocacy efforts may emerge in support of the release of these individuals and their causes. The stories of political prisoners often resonate with those who champion human rights and justice, prompting them to take action.

Furthermore, political prisoners often acquire moral authority through their ordeal. They become symbols of resistance and courage, inspiring others to continue their fight for justice and change. These individuals are often viewed as heroes who have sacrificed their freedom for their principles, and their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of defending basic human rights, even in the face of adversity. Their moral authority can empower movements and motivate individuals to take a stand against oppression and injustice.

Liu Xiaobo was imprisoned for speaking out against the Chinese regime. Sadly, he died in jail in 2017. 

GLOBAL RESPONSE TO POLITICAL PRISONERS 

The response to political imprisonment takes various forms around the world. One such response is diplomatic pressure, where foreign governments exert influence on the incarcerating government to release political prisoners. This can involve tactics like sanctions, diplomatic protests, or negotiation to secure the freedom of these individuals.

International human rights conventions provide another means to address this issue. Documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights establish a framework for advocating for the release of political prisoners. These conventions emphasize the fundamental rights and freedoms that should be upheld for all individuals, regardless of their political beliefs.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights groups play a vital role in championing the rights of political prisoners. They offer legal support, disseminate information about these individuals' cases, and actively campaign for their release. NGOs often act as watchdogs, spotlighting human rights abuses and pressing for accountability.

Media coverage is a powerful tool for raising awareness about political prisoners and their situations. Media attention can exert substantial pressure on governments to address human rights violations and work toward the release of those wrongly imprisoned. Journalists, through their reporting, can expose the injustices faced by political prisoners and encourage public empathy.

Public awareness campaigns and protests represent the collective voice of concerned citizens. They play a crucial role in drawing attention to the plight of political prisoners and garnering public support for their release. Through rallies, demonstrations, and social media activism, individuals and groups can unite to advocate for justice and the protection of human rights on a broader scale.

It's also important to note that international publicity can sometimes have adverse effects on a political prisoner's case. Public scrutiny might embarrass the leadership of the incarcerating country, causing them to take harsher actions against the imprisoned person. Rather than releasing them as initially planned, they might opt to extend their sentences, worsen their conditions, or subject them to further human rights violations like beatings, starvation, or mistreatment.

Government negotiators often approach cases involving high-profile political prisoners cautiously. They are aware that international awareness can either aid or hinder the situation, so they tread carefully in their efforts.

CONCLUSION

Political prisoners represent the brave individuals who stand up for their beliefs and ideals, even when it means facing imprisonment and hardship. The international community, governments, and civil society have a crucial role to play in advocating for the release of these prisoners, protecting their human rights, and working towards a world where individuals can express their political views without fear of retribution. 

By shedding light on their stories and struggles, we can contribute to a more just and equitable world where the voices of dissent are respected, not silenced.

References: 

• Amnesty International - Detention and Imprisonment
• RFE/RL - Explainer: What Defines A Political Prisoner?
• U.S. Department of State - #WithoutJustCause Political Prisoners Campaign
• U.S. Helsinki Commission - Political Prisoners in Russia 
• Freedom House Org project
• PACE - The Definition of a Political Prisoner
• International Studies Quarterly, Gruffydd-Jones, Jamie J - International Attention and the Treatment of Political Prisoners