Cuba February 19, 2026 Political Prisoners Watch: Artists Behind Bars Key Points: Repressive regimes in Cuba deploy the machinery of the state to silence criticism and dissent. It is therefore hardly surprising that artists—whose creative work can expose, ridicule, and condemn in emotive and powerful ways—are common targets of political persecution. Meet two Cuban artists, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo Castillo Pérez, who use their creative expression to challenge powerful systems, and have been punished with political imprisonment. Keep Reading
Iran January 23, 2026 Tipping the Balance: How to Support Iranians in Their Tireless Struggle for Freedom By Adrian Shahbaz Key Points: Amid rising authoritarianism and a wavering international commitment to human rights, the latest wave of protests in Iran is a reminder of the universal desire for freedom. This policy brief outlines how democracies can help realize that aspiration. Keep Reading
China January 15, 2026 Q&A: Amid the Chinese Communist Party’s Authoritarian Rule, How Does Freedom House Uncover Dissent in China? By Kevin Slaten Key Points: Protest activity in China is more common than many people may realize. Kevin Slaten, research lead for the China Dissent Monitor (CDM), spoke with our editors about how the CDM team uncovers dissent activity in China, what this information tells us about economic, social, and political trends there, and why understanding dissent and protest in China is important for people living in the United States. Keep Reading
Venezuela January 6, 2026 Venezuela: Guidance for a Peaceful Transition to Democracy Key Points: It is imperative for all those who support freedom to work together and ensure that Venezuela undergoes a peaceful transition to democracy. Officials and institutional elements of the existing regime remain in place following Nicolás Maduro’s detention and removal by the United States, and the country’s entrenched authoritarian infrastructure is still intact. At this moment, the future of democratic governance in Venezuela and across the region appears uncertain and fragile. Keep Reading
Nigeria July 31, 2025 A Nigerian Prisoner of Conscience Is Free, but Others Remain in Danger Key Points: It was announced in January that Mubarak Bala, a Nigerian humanist leader, had been released from prison in August 2024 after more than four years of unjust detention for expressing his views on religion. In Freedom House's interview with Bala, he answered questions about his experiences and the international campaign to secure his liberty. Keep Reading
Iran Tipping the Balance: How to Support Iranians in Their Tireless Struggle for Freedom January 23, 2026
China Q&A: Amid the Chinese Communist Party’s Authoritarian Rule, How Does Freedom House Uncover Dissent in China? January 15, 2026