Additional Name(s): Орлов Олег Петрович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Unspecified

Sentence: 2 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: February/27/2024

Date of Sentencing: February/27/2024

Current Status: Not Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Human Rights Work for Religious Communities

Nature of Charges: Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials

Oleg Orlov

Extra Bio Info:

Oleg Orlov is imprisoned in relation to his human rights work.

On February 27, 2024, the Golovinsky District Court in Moscow sentenced Orlov, the 70-year old co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights organization Memorial, to two years and six months in prison for "discrediting the Russian armed forces" (Art. 280.3-1 RCC) after he held several single-person protests opposing Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and authored an article criticizing Russia's invasion. Orlov's imprisonment comes amid a sweeping crackdown on Russian human rights organizations and defenders, including those working on religious freedom issues. Memorial under Orlov's tenure extensively documented, reported on, and defended FoRB prisoners of conscience in Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea. Orlov was taken into custody following the verdict. 

Sources:

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Unspecified

Date of Detainment: November/29/2023

Current Status: Not Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Online Activity Religious Freedom Advocacy

Nature of Charges: Hate Speech

Freddy Quezada

Extra Bio Info:

Freddy Quezada is imprisoned for criticizing religious freedom conditions.

On November 29, 2023, the Nicaraguan authorities arrested Quezada, a professor, after he criticized the Nicaraguan government's treatment of Bishop Rolando Álvarez on social media.

In January or February 2024, Quezada was found guilty of "incitement to hatred." 

Sources:

Mar 26

WHEN:

Mar 26th 1:30pm

 

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom 

Women in FoRB: Making a Difference

Tuesday, March 26, 2024
1:30-3:30 pm ET
 

*LOCATION CHANGE*
South Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 217)
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. 

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) hosted Women in FoRB: Making a Difference, an event highlighting the crucial roles women play in promoting the freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) abroad.

Many women face compound persecution and distinctive barriers due to their gender and religious beliefs or nonbeliefs. While too many women are victims, many also are champions, proactively demonstrating resilience, courage, ingenuity, and wisdom. After opening remarks, there will be a conversation on women combatting antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred. Following the conversation, there will be a moderated panel of civil society leaders focusing on strategies women have developed and actions they have taken in communities worldwide to challenge persecution, tear down barriers, and support freedom of religion or belief.

Opening Remarks

  • Susie Gelman, Commissioner, USCIRF

Pre-Recorded Remarks

  • Nazila Ghanea, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief

A Conversation on Women Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Muslim Hate

Moderator

  • Susie Gelman, Commissioner, USCIRF

Panelists

  • The Honorable Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, U.S. Department of State
  • The Honorable Rashad Hussain, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State
  • Mohamed Magid, Commissioner, USCIRF

Panel: Women in Action in their Communities

Moderator

  • Judith Golub, Director of Strategy and Planning, Religious News Foundation/Service; Co-Founder, FoRB Women's Alliance

Panelists

  • Rushan Abbas, Founder and Executive Director, Campaign for Uyghurs
  • Hurunnessa Fariad, Director of Outreach, Multi-Faith Neighbor’s Network
  • Elizabeth Lane Miller, Chief Research Officer, Gender and Religious Freedom
  • Tschika McBean Okosi, Human Rights Officer, U.S. Baha’i Office of Public Affairs

Submitted for the Record

Statement from Empower Women Media

Statement from Canadian Yazidi Association

Statement from Soraya M. Deen

Statement from Hulda Fahmi

This event is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. Register here to attend in person. This event will be livestreamed on USCIRF’s website and YouTube channel. For any additional questions, please contact [email protected].

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