Define: Prisoner Of Conscience

A Prisoner of Conscience is an individual who has been imprisoned solely for their political, religious, or social beliefs, or for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, or peaceful assembly.

The status of Prisoner of Conscience is determined by organisations such as Amnesty International, who conduct thorough investigations into the individual’s case to ensure that they meet the criteria of being imprisoned solely for their beliefs or peaceful actions.

Prisoners of Conscience are entitled to the same rights as any other prisoner, including the right to humane treatment, access to legal representation, and the right to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

Yes, a Prisoner of Conscience can be released from prison. International pressure, advocacy campaigns, and legal interventions can contribute to their release. However, the release ultimately depends on the actions of the government or authorities responsible for their imprisonment.

Yes, a government can deny the status of Prisoner of Conscience to an individual. However, this denial does not change the fact that the person may still be considered a Prisoner of Conscience by international human rights organisations and activists.

You can support Prisoners of Conscience by raising awareness about their cases, advocating for their release, and putting pressure on governments through petitions, letters, or social media campaigns. Donating to organisations that provide legal assistance and support to Prisoners of Conscience is also helpful.

Yes, Prisoners of Conscience are protected under international law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee the rights of individuals to freedom of thought, conscience, expression, and peaceful assembly.

While it is a violation of international human rights standards, some governments do imprison individuals for their beliefs or peaceful actions. However, such actions are widely condemned by the international community and can lead to diplomatic consequences for the government responsible.

Yes, a Prisoner of Conscience can seek asylum in another country if they fear persecution or further imprisonment in their home country. However, the granting of asylum is at the discretion of the receiving country and is subject to their own immigration laws and policies.

The duration of imprisonment as a Prisoner of Conscience varies depending on the circumstances and the government’s policies. Some individuals may be released relatively quickly due to international pressure, while others may be held for years.