Bill > HRes843

This resolution supports designating October 30 as the "International Day of Political Prisoners" while highlighting the global issue of political imprisonment. The resolution notes that approximately 1,000,000 political prisoners worldwide, including journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, are currently detained for political reasons by authoritarian regimes in countries like Belarus, China, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Burma, Russia, and Venezuela. It references the historical origin of this commemorative day, which began on October 30, 1974, when Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of conscience in the Soviet Gulag initiated an annual observance to draw attention to those imprisoned for their political or religious beliefs. The resolution condemns political repression, expresses solidarity with political prisoners, and calls on the United States government to continue efforts to raise international awareness about political imprisonment, hold responsible regimes accountable, and work to secure the release of political prisoners through diplomatic negotiations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/843/all-info