Political Imprisonment

Political imprisonment occurs when individuals are incarcerated not for common crimes but because the government perceives their beliefs, statements, or actions as threatening to its authority or policies. These individuals often include activists, journalists, or opposition leaders who challenge the prevailing political regime. Such imprisonment is controversial because it can suppress dissent, restrict freedom of expression, and violate human rights. While some governments justify it as necessary for maintaining order, critics argue it undermines democratic principles and punishes people for exercising fundamental rights of free speech and political participation.