Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

Official account for the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, U.S. House of Representatives. Co-Chairs @RepMcGovern (D-MA) & Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

On this day in 2017, Russian authorities detained Crimean Tatar activist Marlen Asanov in occupied Crimea. He is serving a 19-year prison sentence. Peaceful religious activity is not a crime. Russia must release him.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

Today is the birthday of Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Abou Zeid, known as Shawkan. Arrested while covering the Rabaa dispersal in 2013, he spent more than 5 years in prison and another 5 under police surveillance, which ended in 2023. Journalism is not a crime.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

Saudi Arabia has sentenced 24-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa to death over a Facebook comment. He was denied access to a lawyer before his initial sentencing. Saudi authorities must overturn his conviction and release him immediately. https://t.co/stoAzXnQkJ

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

On this day in 2022, Belarusian human rights defender Ales Bialiatski was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while imprisoned. He was released in December 2025 after more than four years in detention. @RepCohen is his Defending Freedoms advocate.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

On this day in 2008, Turkmen activist Gulgeldy Annaniyazov was sentenced to 11 years in prison after a closed trial. After prison, he spent 5 years in internal exile before his release in April 2024.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

Learn more about Galal's case: https://t.co/ALrb5Lv4Sl

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

Galal El-Behairy, an Egyptian poet, lyricist, and activist, has been inducted into the Defending Freedoms Project. He has been imprisoned since 2018 for exercising his right to freedom of expression. @RepDonBeyer is his Defending Freedoms advocate.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

On this day in 2020, Vietnamese journalist and human rights defender Pham Doan Trang was detained. She is serving a 9-year sentence for her writing and advocacy. Vietnam must release her. @RepRoKhanna is her Defending Freedoms advocate.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

On this day in 2016, Tajik human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov was sentenced to 23 years in prison after defending political opposition members. He remains imprisoned. Peaceful legal advocacy is not a crime. Tajikistan must release him.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

On this day in 2012, Syrian human rights lawyer Khalil Maatouk was arrested and forcibly disappeared. He is now listed as having died in custody. There must be accountability for his disappearance and death. @SenTedBuddNC is his Defending Freedoms advocate.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

The Democratic staff of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission is now accepting applications for the Spring 2027 Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program (January-April). Applications are due October 15. For application information, visit: https://t.co/p1suAl89lx.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

Today is the International Day of Older Persons. Older people around the world continue to face age-based discrimination and barriers to the full enjoyment of their human rights. Human rights belong to people of every age.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

https://t.co/WvdRAf791x

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

We welcome the long-awaited release of Azerbaijani anti-corruption advocate Gubad Ibadoghlu from prison and rejoice with his family. Co-Chair Chris Smith, as his Defending Freedoms Project advocate, has worked for his release and access to medical care since his arrest in 2023.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

Detained on this day in 2015, Tajik human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov was arrested after reporting that his clients had been tortured in detention. He is serving a 28-year prison sentence. Tajikistan must release him.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

Belarusian human rights defender and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski turns 64 today. After more than 4 years of unjust imprisonment, he was released in December 2025. Belarus must release all remaining political prisoners. @RepCohen is his Defending Freedoms advocate.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

On this day in 2008, the House unanimously adopted H. Res. 1451. Formally establishing the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. 18 years later, the Commission remains committed to promoting and defending internationally recognized human rights around the world.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

@RepDonBeyer is his Defending Freedoms advocate.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

One year ago today, Egyptian British pro-democracy activist Alaa Abd El Fattah was released following a presidential pardon after years of unjust treatment. His release was long overdue. Egypt must free all those imprisoned for peacefully exercising their rights.

[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission @TLHumanRights]

Detained on this day in 2001, Swedish Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak has spent 25 years imprisoned without change or trial. He has been held incommunicado for decades. Eritrea must release him.