Defending Freedoms Project

In December 2012, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, in conjunction with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and Amnesty International USA, launched the Defending Freedoms Project with the aim of supporting human rights and religious freedom throughout the world with a particular focus on prisoners of conscience.

Specifically, Members of Congress “adopt” prisoners of conscience, standing in solidarity with these brave men and women, while committing to advocate publicly for their release. 

Prisoner of Conscience Country Congressioanal Advocate

The Panchen Lama

China

Representative McGovern

Gulmira Imin

China

None
Zhang Shaojie

China

Representative Meadows

Alimujiang Yimiti China

Representative Allen

Representative Allen

 

Gao Zhisheng

 

China None

 

Bishop James Su Zhimin

 

China None


Patriarch Abune Antonios

Eritrea None

 

Ayatollah Mohammad Kazemeini

 

Iran None

Ivan Matsitsky

Russia None

Raif Badawi
Saudi Arabia
Representative McGovern

The Most Venerable
Thich Quang Do
Vietnam
Representative Lowenthal

 

More information on the Defending Freedoms Project.