Human Rights Foundation

Casey and Elisha speak with Mark Clifford, author of a new biography of jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, about Beijing's brutality, the future of Hong Kong democracy, and how Jimmy became the face of a movement. They also talk about Jimmy's wide-ranging culinary tastes - and some of the most memorable meals Jimmy enjoyed before prison.  SHOW NOTES:  Link to Mark's new biography of Jimmy Lai: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Troublemaker/Mark-L-Clifford/9781668027691  Link to Mark's previous book on the history of Hong Kong: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250279170/todayhongkongtomorrowtheworld/

Casey and Elisha are joined by Togolese human rights activist Farida Nabourema to talk about her life growing up under the Gnassingbé dictatorships — Togo has been under single-family autocracy for more than 50 years — and the country's rampant crookedness. She also talks about how Bitcoin and blockchain offer solutions to Africa's longstanding issues with corruption and lack of trust in traditional financial institutions and how Bitcoin can offer a more transparent alternative.

Casey and Elisha talk about the latest revelations on how consulting firms in democratic countries became the best friends that dictators around the world could ask for. They discuss the recent news on how consulting firm McKinsey & Company opened its doors to clients in places like Saudi Arabia and China, and how these firms became allies for those trying to smother democracy. They also discuss the latest in the trial of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai. Related Links: 1. Inside the Secret World of McKinsey: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/nov/20/mckinsey-fossil-fuels 2. The American Consulting Firms That Live in Fear of Their Murderous Clients: https://newrepublic.com/article/178942/consulting-firms-saudi-arabia-hearing

Casey and Elisha sit down with Benedict Rogers, a well-traveled journalist and human rights advocate, to discuss his experiences and insights from across the globe. From his roots in London to his professional ventures in Indonesia, Burma, and China, Benedict shares his journey and the significant socio-political changes he's witnessed. We delve into major topics, such as Indonesia's democratic progress, the rise of religion-based intolerance, and Burma's ongoing humanitarian crisis. Ben also shares his thoughts on Prabowo Subianto's rise to power in Indonesia and the state of democracy in the region.

Casey and Elisha sit down with Raqib Hameed Naik, an Indian journalist currently in exile because of his reporting. They discuss how Modi has degraded India's democracy and how Indian authorities are now targeting — and even allegedly assassinating — critics abroad. They discuss Raqib's own stories from Kashmir and why the world must wake up to what's now taking place in India.

Casey and Elisha chat with Mark Simon, previously one of Hong Kong's most prominent media executives — and a man now wanted by Beijing for his work exposing the crimes of the Chinese Communist Party. They talk about how the Chinese government has smothered media freedoms in Hong Kong and the ongoing trial of democracy activist Jimmy Lai.

Casey and Elisha talk with Nicaraguan democracy activist Felix Maradiaga about his lifelong push against authoritarian forces in Nicaragua. They discuss how Felix survived solitary confinement, Nicaragua's place in the global axis of authoritarianism, and what gives him hope for the future of Nicaraguan democracy. They also chat about the role of family for democratic activists.

Casey and Elisha open Season 2 with Leopoldo Lopez, the prominent Venezuelan politician and activist who has made a name for himself by building peaceful movements opposing the Maduro regime. For his efforts, he spent nearly seven years in prison, four in solitary confinement, and now lives in exile. The three discuss Lopez's upbringing in Venezuela, the family history that compelled him to enter politics, and what he loves most about the country he didn't want to leave. Lopez provides an assessment of Venezuela's current political landscape following the stolen election in July and how he's advocating for reform at the World Liberty Congress. Extreme sports are also discussed.

Casey and Elisha are joined by Cato Institute policy analyst and HRF fellow Nick Anthony to talk about money, the world of central bank digital currencies, and how they pose significant risks to privacy, financial freedom, and markets. They also discuss which countries are the worst offenders so far and how you can track their devious ways.

Casey and Elisha discuss HRF's newest report, investigating the UAE's breathtaking political interference campaign in the U.S. From illicit lobbying efforts to massive donations to leading think tanks and universities, to even secretly hiring America's leading military officers, the UAE's political influence campaign is arguably bigger - and far more successful - than anything any other dictatorship has ever authored. Learn more: Read HRF's report - "Infiltrating America: How the United Arab Emirates Launched an Unprecedented Political Interference Campaign in the United States" https://hrf.org/reports/infiltrating-america-how-the-united-arab-emirates-launched-an-unprecedented-political-interference-campaign-in-the-united-states/

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series by the Human Rights Foundation, produced by FP Studios. Part four: “Art as Protest" with Nadia Hernández & Carlos Vives

Casey and Elisha speak with renowned Nicaraguan journalist Carlos Chamorro, who's continued his groundbreaking work even from exile. They talk about the tactics the Ortega regime has used to silence dissent in Nicaragua, how important investigative journalism is to holding authoritarians to account, and hear all about a Miss Universe scandal no one talked about.

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series by the Human Rights Foundation, produced by FP Studios. Part Three: “AI for Activists" with Arthur Holland Michel

Over the weekend, the Iranian Supreme Court overturned the death sentence of Toomaj Salehi, the Iranian hip-hop artist who was charged with "corruption on earth" for his defense of the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement. His friend and social media manager, Negin Niknaam, joins Casey and Elisha to talk about Salehi. he also brings a special message from him, obtained in secret, exclusively for Human Rights Foundation and podcast listeners. HRF's legal and programs officer, Claudia Bennett, also joins to talk about what's next in the judicial process.

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series by the Human Rights Foundation, produced by FP Studios. Part Two: “Shining the Light” with Sebastien Lai

Casey and Elisha are joined live from the Oslo Freedom Forum by real-life "Hotel Rwanda" hero Paul Rusesabagina and two of his children, daughters Carine and Anaise Kanimba, to talk about the banana beer recipe you probably haven't tried but should, family, adoptions, Rwanda, kidnappings, and an extraordinary international campaign that led to freedom. Paul also walks us through the last hours of his time in solitary confinement and what he was thinking all the while.

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series produced by FP Studios and the Human Rights Foundation. Part One: “The Price of Freedom” with Anastasia Shevchenko

Casey and Elisha sit down with Bill Browder, the driving force behind the creation and expansion of Magnitsky sanctions over the past decade. They talk about how corrupt officials in Russia and elsewhere hate Magnitsky sanctions, and the allies Bill has found in his fight for justice. They also talk about the proposed Navalny Act, honoring slain Russian democratic activist Alexei Navalny. What's up next for Bill? Freeing another Russian prisoner: Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists, dissidents, leading thinkers and innovators to Oslo, Norway, home of the Nobel Peace Prize, to empower and embolden others in their fight for freedom and democracy. This event is called The Oslo Freedom Forum. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series produced by FP Studios and the Human Rights Foundation.

Casey speaks with leading Zimbabwean democracy activist Evan Mawarire, chatting about taking down tyrants, Evan's struggle against the Mugabe regime, and how Zimbabwe's flag became a symbol of democracy. They also discuss how Evan became one of, and potentially the, most charismatic democratic activists in the world.

Casey sits down with Alex Dukalskis and Adam Scharpf, a pair of academics whose groundbreaking work shines new light on why dictatorships hire Western public relations firms. They talk about just how widespread the issue is, and what PR firms actually do for their dictatorial clients. They also chat about the PR industry's ethics as a whole, and why PR firms are so eager to help authoritarians - and how other democracies can help shine light on the phenomenon. Learn more about their research: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xk6b6ykobnxv9yiyg0ttn/Dictators_PR_Firms.pdf?dl=0&e=4&rlkey=iq7kxl7z3qwv43u67pnaeqpfn

Casey and Elisha are joined by Mounir Ibrahim, a former US State Department diplomat-turned-techie, to talk about cheapfakes, deepfakes, the mal-use of Generative AI by bad actors around the globe, and what that means not only for human rights and democracy but for getting to the truth in a world of deception.

On today's episode, Casey and Elisha are joined by Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire and Kate Gibson, part of her international legal team, to discuss the case they filed with the East African Court of Justice to restore Ingabire's civic rights after being absurdly convicted of terrorism and genocide denial, for which she spent eight years in prison. Now, she's not only being barred from running in the country's July presidential elections; she is also being prevented from leaving the country. The foursome unpack the question: What is Paul Kagame, Rwanda's decades-long dictator, so afraid of?

Casey and Elisha speak with Masih Alinejad, one of the leading journalists and campaigners highlighting the crimes of the regime still in power in Iran. They discuss Masih's journey, as well as the recent abduction and assassination attempts against her in the US and how the democratic world can continue standing up against the despots in Tehran. They also talk about how the solution to modern diplomacy might be found in, of all things, pickles.

Casey and Elisha talk about Casey's new book, "Foreign Agents," on all the ways dictators use lobbyists in the US to entrench their regimes and stamp out democratic movements. They talk about how regimes from Moscow to Beijing and beyond rely on these Americans to do their dirty work, and how these foreign lobbyists became henchmen and foot-soldiers for the worst dictatorships around the world. They also discuss Michael Bublé. To read Casey's book: "Foreign Agents" - https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250286055/foreignagents

Casey and Elisha chat with Joey Siu, a 25-year-old Hong Konger with a bounty on her head, after the Chinese Communist Party accused her of violating its draconian national security law. In 2019, Siu played a pivotal role in organizing large-scale pro-democracy protests. Now, living in exile, her work has anything but slowed. Siu talks about what it was like to leave a home and a family she loved, what it was like to learn about the Hong Kong government's price on her head, and what she's doing next to combat the CCP.

Casey speaks with Russian opposition figure Anastasia Shevchenko, who was the first person to face criminal prosecution under Russia's so-called "undesirable organizations" law. Anastasia talks about how her role as a mother propelled her into the fight against both corruption and dictatorship, as well as the new documentary focusing on her work and family, which was recently shortlisted for an Academy Award. To watch "Anastasia" documentary: https://www.paramountplus.com/movies/video/2jX2Jk8zI_730uXuNU36QH9_bM_eYacO/ To watch the trailer for "Anastasia" documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohYLMdMSs4QChange.org

Casey and Elisha talk with Rushan Abbas, the founder of Campaign for Uyghurs, about the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing genocide against Uyghurs. They discuss some of the policy successes in recent years helping shine a light on Beijing's crimes, and a new congressional caucus aiding Uyghurs. They also talk about Rushan's journey into activism - and how Beijing's efforts to silence her have blown up in the CCP's face. To visit the Campaigning for Uyghurs website: https://campaignforuyghurs.org/leadership/

Casey and Elisha speak with HRF's Africa policy officer, Mo Keita, talks about the recent arrest of Swazi activist and former podcast guest, Tanele Maseko. They talk about how the Swazi regime's efforts to silence critics continue to backfire and how to support the pro-democratic reformers targeting Africa's last absolute monarchy. To listen to Casey and Elisha speak to Tanele Maseko on Dissidents and Dictators: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I3HJ2AKGak&list=PL3qhzGxahwqbYKj2Q-ZczKNaeofATzMgG&index=5

Casey and Elisha are joined by Karim Zidan, one of the world's foremost experts on how authoritarian regimes use the world of sports for their own ends. Karim discusses the history of the intersection of sports and politics, why the term "sportswashing" may already be outdated, and how depressing it is to be a Seattle Mariners fan. Learn more about our blog series on sportswashing: https://hrf.org/category/history-of-sports-and-dictators/

Ideas Beyond Borders Founder Faisal Al Mutar joins Casey and Elisha to discuss the importance of creating a sense of national security for Iraqis as well as his experience combatting the villainy of authoritarianism and extremism. Then there's the habibi effect. Show notes: To learn about Faisal Al Mutar: https://oslofreedomforum.com/speaker/faisal-al-mutar/ To learn about Ideas Beyond Boarders: https://ideasbeyondborders.org To learn about the World Liberty Congress: https://worldlibertycongress.org Read Faisal's recent article at the International Correspondent: https://www.theinternationalcorrespondent.com/p/navigating-the-crossroads?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2

Elisha and Casey talk with Jay Nordlinger, a senior editor at National Review and one of the leading writers covering the threats of modern dictatorship. They talk about Jay's focus on authoritarians across the political spectrum, the community of writers and activists trying to take down tyrants, and why the offspring of dictators aren't always what you expect. They also talk about the greatness of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

It's well-known at this point that Bitcoin has many uses, from the fun to the financial. But did you know Bitcoin can also help democratic movements flourish and find funding? Casey and Elisha talk with author and HRF Chief Strategy Officer Alex Gladstein about how Bitcoin has grown into a tool to fight dictatorships and how new technologies can help end tyranny. SHOW NOTES: Learn about HRF's Financial Freedom Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JBxBq8U1yI Learn about HRF's Bitcoin Development Fund: https://hrf.org/devfund Learn about the connection between Bitcoin & human rights: https://www.getbitcoin.org For a 101 on Bitcoin, visit: https://littlebitcoinbook.com To read Alex Gladstein's Book, "Check Your Financial Privilege": https://store.bitcoinmagazine.com/products/check-your-financial-privilege To read Alex Gladstein's book, "Hidden Repression": https://store.bitcoinmagazine.com/products/hidden-repression Learn about HRF's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) tracker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSaMBQmrOqs

After her husband, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, was assassinated in front of her, Swazi human rights defender Tanele Maseko picked up right where he left off: peacefully (and powerfully) speaking truth to power. In this episode, she talks with Casey and Elisha about the politics of Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarchy, her husband's legacy, what she's doing as CEO of the Thulani Maseko Foundation, and gives us all the treat of a lifetime. You'll have to tune in to hear it, though. To listen to Tanele read Thulani Maseko's letter: "Greetings from cell G4": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOjQHUF388c

Casey and Elisha talk with Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko about Ukraine's upcoming anniversaries—both the 10-year anniversary of Ukraine's successful democratic revolution and the two-year anniversary of Russia's expanded invasion. They discuss how Ukrainians remain on the frontlines of the fight against dictatorship and why democracies must continue supporting Kyiv.  To watch Lisa Yasko's piano song on Barricades of Euromaidan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbGyoAul_vo

Casey and Elisha talk with Joyce Ho, HRF's Asia-Pacific policy officer, about the recent elections in Taipei, the need for the ruling Democratic People's Party (DPP) to double down on democracy after narrowly beating the pro-Beijing Kuomintang Party (KMT), and what that all means for the future of the island. To read Joyce's op-ed in The Hill: https://thehill.com/opinion/4411515-taiwans-ruling-party-needs-to-double-down-on-democracy/ To read the Financial Times' piece, "Becoming Taiwan: In China's Shadow, an island asserts its identity." - https://www.ft.com/content/6e9a0243-87f2-445e-b563-e8f67082b3da

Casey and Elisha sit down with HRF's Claudia Bennett, talking about the role of the fashion industry in propping up dictators. They discuss how the cotton industry relies on forced labor, and how consumers can find out where their clothes come from. They also talk about how the CCP targeted HRF's efforts to shine a light on Beijing's genocidal campaign against Uyghurs.  SHOW NOTES: 1. Learn about our Wear Your Values program: https://hrf.org/programs/wear-your-values/ 2. Download our Uyghur Forced Labor checker: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/uyghur-forced-labor-check/ejodaepockllkcloibcchpjnfoopincp 3. Read this Bloomberg article about China's response to our checker: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-24/google-axes-bad-reviews-of-tracker-exposing-uyghur-forced-labor?srnd=premium&leadSource=uverify%20wall&mc_cid=0b6769941f&mc_eid=dcd85f94b2 4. Learn about the Coalition to End Forced Labor in The Uyghur Region: https://enduyghurforcedlabour.org 5. Learn about Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act: https://sourcingjournal.com/topics/sourcing/china-us-mexico-apparel-exports-uflpa-nearshoring-489814/  MORE ABOUT UYGHUR FORCED LABOR: 1. Jewher Ilham, Uyghur Advocate, Oslo Freedom Forum talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwUC1ocZme4 2. Kalbinur Sidik & Gulbahar Haitiwaji, Uyghur survivors, Oslo Freedom Forum talk: https://youtu.be/KFDMlCd_JvM ALSO MENTIONED: 1. Salma Al-Shehab, Dare to Dissent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2-0DXfCP80

Casey and Elisha talk about Casey's recent trip to Nairobi, and the latest on Russian and Chinese interference and corruption in Africa. They also discuss the latest on the frontlines of the fight for freedom in Ukraine. Plus, they talk about all the things crocodiles and dictatorships have in common. Show notes: Watch Casey Michel's talk at the Atlantic Council (Friday, Feb 2, @ 12:30 pm ET): https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/five-scenarios-for-russias-future/ Read Alex Gladstein's article at Bitcoin Magazine: https://bitcoinmagazine.com/check-your-financial-privilege/stranded-bitcoin-saving-wasted-energy-in-africa

With Casey off gallivanting halfway around the globe, Elisha is joined by HRF Chief Legal and Policy Officer Javier El-Hage. The two discuss Latin America's history with dictatorships, the many (and varying) shades of grey between left-wing and right-wing authoritarian regimes, and Javier's progression from a Che Guevara (myth) fan in college to a constitutional and international law professor and a defender of liberal democracies. Show notes: To read Javier's book: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Javier-El-Hage-ebook/dp/B00WZQMQSG Other referenced books: Open Veins of Latin America by Edwardo Galeano: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Veins-Latin-America-Centuries/dp/0853459916 New York Times article about Edwardo Galeano disavowing his book: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/24/books/eduardo-galeano-disavows-his-book-the-open-veins.html Guide to the Perfect Latin American Idiot (response to the book, Open Veins of Latin America): https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/manual-del-perfecto-idiota-latinoamericano_plinio-apuley[…]sKHJmlo268kQ1Q2USO-J0MzelLs9Aqdl7lcHSwbgMYGSUMaAgVfEALw_wcB

Casey and Elisha dive into the world of foreign agents, looking at how kleptocratic regimes use foreign lobbyists to do their dirty work. They also chat about the recent winner of the Corrupt Person of the Year award. And, of course, they talk about the newest addition to their office: Harry Styles. Show notes: To read more about the indictment of Bob Menendez: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/bob-menendez-charges-not-guilty-plea/675774/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/bob-menendez-charges-not-guilty-plea/675774/ To learn more about OCCRP's "Person of the Year Awards": https://www.occrp.org/en/poy/

Casey and Elisha reunite after the holiday break, and Elisha brings with her catastrophic news: a mouse in her house. In the actually important segment, Elisha talks with Sebastien Lai, son of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial in Hong Kong under Beijing's national security law for “colluding with foreign forces"—aka, speaking out for freedom and democracy and against the Chinese Communist Party. We also learn how a Hong Kong businessman became a French Knight. To learn more about Jimmy Lai: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/25/trials-of-jimmy-lai/8:56 https://youtu.be/sf-qyxEIuHI?si=i5JcEqxSPT8GwxXU

Dec. 18 marks the anniversary of the death of dissident, playwright, and first democratically elected president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel. Elisha and Casey discuss his life and legacy, the role he played in Elisha's formative years, and the prize the Human Rights Foundation created in his honor. In lighter topics of discussion, Casey and Elisha talk about the office holiday party, Casey's impeccable—read joyfully terrible—rendition of Prince's "Purple Rain," and somehow the 90s sitcom "Home Improvement." To learn more about the Havel Prize for creative dissent: https://hrf.org/havel-prize/ To learn more about the 2023 Havel Prize laureates: https://hrf.org/announcing-the-2023-havel-prize-laureates/ To read David Remnick's article in the New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2003/02/17/exit-havel To read Vaclav Havel's "The Power of the Powerless": https://hac.bard.edu/amor-mundi/the-power-of-the-powerless-vaclav-havel-2011-12-23

Casey and Elisha talk about the latest news out of Venezuela, where Nicolas Maduro threatens to unleash an invasion on neighboring Guyana. They then turn to a spectacular espionage case out of Cuba, and what it says about dictatorships' infiltration efforts. They also talk about the UAE rolling out the red carpet for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Plus, naming Christmas trees after celebrities. Vote for HRF's Anthem Award nominated video about our Wear Your Values program: https://hrf.org/vote-for-hrfs-wear-your-values-program-in-the-anthem-awards/

Monday, December 4, 2023 marked 250 days in prison for Wall Street Journal investigative reporter Evan Gershkovich on trumped-up espionage charges. Casey and Elisha discuss his case and what Evan's friends, family, and colleagues are doing to not forget him as he remains a political prisoner. Also up for conversation: Casey's article on New York City Mayor Eric Adams' entanglement with Turkey and kleptocracy, as well as Louis Vuitton's first-ever Hong Kong-based fashion show and what that does for its image. Show notes: To read about Evan Gershkovich in the Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/world/evan-gershkovich-detained-for-250-days-is-still-bringing-his-friends-together-68894f4e To listen to Nicaraguan democracy advocate Felix Maradiaga speak at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUnDCR5mgLg To read Casey's article in The New Republic about Eric Adams's Entanglements with Turkey: https://newrepublic.com/article/176657/eric-adams-turkey-influence-peddling To read Claudia Bennet's article in the Washington Times about fashion, democracy, and Louis Vuitton: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/nov/30/fashion-over-democracy-louis-vuittons-show-hong-ko/ To learn more about Human Rights Foundation's Wear Your Values Program: https://hrf.org/programs/wear-your-values/ To add Human Rights Foundation's Uyghur Forced Labor Chrome Attachment to your browser: https://hrf.org/hrf-launches-new-tool-to-raise-awareness-about-brands-linked-to-uyghur-forced-labor/?gclid=CjwKCAiA1MCrBhAoEiwAC2d64TT2SW0fkRs5i6SiqWj7cxtHOd87Pe2hvvovo0cjPMqJMd4WTiRePxoCdaQQAvD_BwE

As rapper Kendrick Lamar sets to headline Move Afrika in Rwanda, Casey and Elisha talk about the atrocities committed by the country's ruler, Paul Kagame, and how and why dictators like him turn to celebrities to help launder their reputation abroad. The duo also discusses the ongoing genocide of Uyghurs in China and how democracies can help unwind the CCP's sprawling efforts to erase Uyghur identity. Elisha's morning also gets off to a bad start. To read Jewher Ilham's Economist article: https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2023/11/02/jewher-ilham-on-how-policymakers-can-stand-up-to-the-chinese-governments-mistreatment-of-uyghurs To learn about Gulbahar Haitiwaji's book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691374/how-i-survived-a-chinese-reeducation-camp-by-gulbahar-haitiwaji/'

Casey and Elisha discuss HRF's recent pro-democracy conference in Taipei and the role the island plays in the struggle against tyranny in Beijing and around the world. They also discuss the legacies and brutality of Russian colonialism from Alaska to Ukraine. To learn about the Oslo Freedom Forum in Taiwan: https://oslofreedomforum.com/events/oslo-freedom-forum-taiwan-2023/ To read Casey's Politico article: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/27/russia-colonization-alaska-ukraine-00123352

Casey Michel, head of Combating Kleptocracy, and Elisha Maldonado, director of communications, welcome you to the Human Rights Foundation's revamped podcast, Dissidents and Dictators. The two co-hosts discuss the Foundation's vision, which focuses solely on authoritarian regimes, and why they traded newsrooms for the human rights mission field.

In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Philippa Thomas, a former BBC correspondent, and Dalia Hatuqa, an independent journalist specializing in Palestine and Israeli affairs, discuss the life, legacy, and story of the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Shireen's life prematurely ended when she was killed by Israeli soldiers in May 2022 while reporting in Palestine. Hatuqa and Thomas seek to continue Abu Akleh's legacy by advocating for freedom of the press and an end to global violence and repression of journalists.

Toribia Lero Quispe is a Bolivian assemblywoman and opposition leader affected by the 2019 electoral fraud committed by strongman Evo Morales. Quispe routinely faces violence, intimidation, and widespread judicial persecution. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, she sheds light on Bolivia's democratic movement, protecting ordinary citizens against tyranny. Note: This episode is recorded in Spanish.

Sanaa Seif is a British-Egyptian filmmaker, producer, and political activist leading a global campaign for her imprisoned brother, Alaa Abd el-Fattah. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Seif shares her family's story and speaks on the unjust imprisonment of those who speak against the Egyptian government. She calls on the international community to #FreeAlaa.

In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, we hear from Pastor Seungeun Kim, a prominent Korean human rights activist and leader of a modern-day underground railroad. He passionately serves North Korean defectors and works tirelessly on their behalf, rescuing and helping them become self-sufficient. Note: This episode is recorded in Korean.