Tajikistan Limits Free Speech And Press Freedom

In Tajikistan in 2025, freedom of expression was very limited. The government continued to punish journalists and critics who spoke out against leaders or reported independently. Some journalists were jailed for many years after secret trials, and others were accused of crimes with no clear public evidence. A planned conference for women journalists was cancelled [...]

Suspicious Death Of Lao Government Critic

Human rights groups are calling on the government of Laos to investigate the suspicious death of government critic Sisay Luangmonda. The 32-year-old activist, who often criticized corruption and poor governance online, was reported missing by his family on February 14, 2026. Witnesses said soldiers arrested him near the capital, Vientiane, and took him to Phonthan [...]

Saudi Arabia Uses Executions To Silence Dissent

In 2025, Saudi Arabia carried out a record number of executions, at least 241 by August 5, many without fair trials, according to Human Rights Watch and the Middle East Democracy Center. This includes the execution of journalist Turki al-Jasser on June 14 for allegedly “terrorist” acts, though no evidence was provided. Al-Jasser had exposed [...]

Saudi Arabia Uses Travel Bans To Silence Activists

Saudi Arabia is banning many of its citizens, especially activists, from leaving the country in what human rights groups call a cruel way to silence criticism. Women’s rights activists like Loujain al-Hathloul and Maryam al-Otaibi are among those affected, with long travel bans placed on them and sometimes their family members. These bans often follow [...]

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