Dear John,

How does Freedom House track dissent in one of the world’s most tightly controlled societies? In a new Q&A, China Dissent Monitor research lead Kevin Slaten takes us inside his team’s efforts to document protest activity in China and describes what the data reveal about the country’s changing economic, social, and political landscape.

This Week In Freedom

TNR Watch: Working Together to Counter Transnational Repression

Research and advocacy by an expanding network of civil society organizations have spurred democracies to combat transnational repression. In the latest edition of TNR Watch, we examine how these groups work together to achieve real-world impacts and what more can be done to assist peer organizations globally.

Latest Updates

News & Updates

Statement

Venezuela

Venezuela: Guidance for a Peaceful Transition to Democracy

The United States should work with opposition leaders and the international community to ensure the release of political prisoners, reestablish the rule of law, and clear the way for a freely elected Venezuelan government.

News & Updates

Statement

Iran

Iran: International Community Must Stand with Iranian People, Demand Accountability for Regime’s Escalating Repression

The Iranian regime’s violent crackdown on protesters is its latest effort to stifle growing dissent.

Country Spotlight: Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran holds elections regularly, but they fall short of democratic standards due in part to the influence of the hard-line Guardian Council, an unelected body that disqualifies all candidates it deems insufficiently loyal to the clerical establishment. Ultimate power rests in the hands of the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the unelected institutions under his control. Read more from our Freedom in the World country report.

Freedom House in the News

Voicing dissent in China is risky but it’s rising dramatically
(Sky News)

Trump administration under pressure to restore funding to groups supporting internet freedom in Iran
(CNN)

Iranians fight back against regime’s weapon of choice
(Telegraph)

Venezuela announces release of political prisoners; 5 Spanish citizens freed
(Washington Post)

Submit a Nomination for the Mark Palmer Prize by January 31

The Mark Palmer Prize recognizes exceptional achievements to protect and advance democracy by diplomats and officials serving in intergovernmental institutions. Freedom House has awarded the Mark Palmer Prize to remarkable nominees from around the world. Nominations are due by January 31, 2026.

Learn More

DONATE

Freedom House
1850 M Street NW 11th Floor
Washington, DC 20036

[email protected]

Stay up to date with Freedom House’s latest news and events by signing up for our newsletter.

update subscription preferences