Read HRF's press release: hrf.org/latest/hrf-d...

This ruling and Lai’s ongoing detention illustrate how Hong Kong courts increasingly mirror Beijing’s political priorities, further eroding the city’s judicial independence and press freedom.

Preventing the court from examining evidence central to establishing intent and credibility undermines due process and the right to fair trial, reflecting Beijing's broader use of legal mechanisms and media tools to silence dissent.

Lai sought to submit 101 new pieces of evidence showing Ta Kung Pao’s “long-standing malicious intent.” The court rejected Lai’s bid, reasoning there was no indication of malice while blocking the very evidence needed to make that determination.
hongkongfp.com/2025/11/17/h...

"There is nothing prettier than a flower that defies death, chaos, and destruction, and instead blooms and radiates hope." - Raed Fares, 2017 @oslofreedomforum.com www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlWt...

Although Thailand has long cooperated with neighboring regimes to target dissidents, Hunter's case is the first known case involving a journalist. His trial is set for December 22. He faces up to two years in prison and a 200,000 THB ($6,170) fine if convicted.

The arrest and charge against Hunter underscore a troubling rise in transnational repression and the so-called “swap mart” practice in Southeast Asia, where regimes cooperate to target dissidents and activists living in exile.

Australian scholar and journalist Murray Hunter has been indicted in Thailand for criminal defamation in a case brought by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in response to his blog posts criticizing the Malaysian regime.
www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/gen...

HRF condemns the brutal attack on Ternopil. The democratic community must step up its pressure on Putin’s regime to cease its strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine.

Russian strikes in neighboring Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions targeted civilian energy infrastructure, transport hubs, and other civilian facilities. In the Kharkiv region, more than 30 people were injured as a result of the drone strikes.

Read the stories that shaped the freedom movement, and the ones still unfolding. hrf.org/latest/hrfs-...

HRF's 20 Years of Media Impact booklet is a tribute to the courage of those who stand up for democracy. Because the world still needs bold reporting, fearless voices, and a press that refuses to look away.

Through headlines, broadcasts, and op-eds, HRF has shared the courage of dissidents and exposed the crimes of dictators.

HRF condemns the Cuban regime’s systematic violations of the rights of prisoners of conscience and calls for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained for opposing dictatorship. Democracies must exert pressure to stop the regime’s inhumane treatment and persecution of dissidents.

Any form of dissent, including protesting the regime-made humanitarian crisis and the island’s deteriorating living conditions, can lead to harsh retaliation. english.elpais.com/internationa...

García Caso is one of nearly 1200 prisoners of conscience being held arbitrarily in Cuban prisons in violation of their due process. Reports of ill-treatment and torture are widespread.

He and other hunger strikers have been kept isolated despite growing concerns for their health. www.martinoticias.com/a/428960.html

Yosvany Rowell García Caso was detained for participating in Cuba’s landmark 11J protests in 2021. His family is calling for urgent solidarity and support as his hunger strike reaches its 27th day.