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 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.
"Орлов Олег Петрович" Memorial
USCIRF Press Release: USCIRF Urges Sanctions on Russian Officials Abusing FoRB Prisoners March 1, 2024
"Russia: Court Convicts Human Rights Leader in Sham Trial" Human Rights Watch (HRW)
"Russia Jails Veteran Human-Rights Campaigner for Denouncing Ukraine War" Wall Street Journal (WSJ)
"Memorial chairman sentenced to 2.5 years in jail for ‘discrediting’ Russian military" Novaya Gazeta Europe
"Олега Орлова приговорили к двум с половиной годам колонии" SOVA Center
"Правозащитника Олега Орлова приговорили к 2,5 годам колонии" Memorial
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 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."
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
Pre-Recorded Remarks
A Conversation on Women Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Muslim Hate
Moderator
Panelists
Panel: Women in Action in their Communities
Moderator
Panelists
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].