Daphne Panayotatos
@dpanayo.bsky.social
Advocacy & Campaigns Director @freedomnoworg.bsky.social
Formerly @open-society.bsky.social and covering Europe @refugeesintl.bsky.social.
Views are my own. She/her.
🇺🇸🇨🇭🇬🇷 🏃🏻♀️
Formerly @open-society.bsky.social and covering Europe @refugeesintl.bsky.social.
Views are my own. She/her.
🇺🇸🇨🇭🇬🇷 🏃🏻♀️
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
This persecution must end and she must be released immediately. We are confident the UN will agree.
November 26, 2025 at 1:48 PM
This persecution must end and she must be released immediately. We are confident the UN will agree.
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
We are grateful for the inclusion of Tofig Yagublu in the Lantos Commission's Defending Freedoms Project. Tofig was arrested in 2023 & is serving a 9 year sentence in #Azerbaijan in retaliation for his political work. We call for his immediate release humanrightscommission.house.gov/defending-fr...
Tofig Yagublu
Image Detained: December 23, 2023.
humanrightscommission.house.gov
November 21, 2025 at 8:44 PM
We are grateful for the inclusion of Tofig Yagublu in the Lantos Commission's Defending Freedoms Project. Tofig was arrested in 2023 & is serving a 9 year sentence in #Azerbaijan in retaliation for his political work. We call for his immediate release humanrightscommission.house.gov/defending-fr...
A thread highlighting three @freedomnoworg.bsky.social cases in Member States of l'Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Leaders should use this week's conference in Kigali to raise these issues, in line with their mandate to promote human rights and democracy.
Reps from dozens of francophone countries are meeting in Kigali this week. The Francophonie mandate includes “to promote peace, democracy & human rights.” But in some member states, individuals peacefully exercising their rights are wrongfully detained. A 🧵about 3 cases 👇
November 18, 2025 at 6:50 PM
A thread highlighting three @freedomnoworg.bsky.social cases in Member States of l'Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Leaders should use this week's conference in Kigali to raise these issues, in line with their mandate to promote human rights and democracy.
A meaningful evening with @rferl.org.web.brid.gy, @nationalpress.bsky.social , @penamerica.bsky.social & most importantly, Vlad himself. We heard the awful circumstances of his detention but also got to celebrate his freedom together.
November 7, 2025 at 4:56 PM
A meaningful evening with @rferl.org.web.brid.gy, @nationalpress.bsky.social , @penamerica.bsky.social & most importantly, Vlad himself. We heard the awful circumstances of his detention but also got to celebrate his freedom together.
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
On this International Day of Political Prisoners, we’re proud to co-lead a joint statement—standing in solidarity with the estimated one million political prisoners detained worldwide. #FreeThemAll
freedomhouse.org/article/join...
freedomhouse.org/article/join...
Joint Statement on the International Day of Political Prisoners
freedomhouse.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:22 PM
On this International Day of Political Prisoners, we’re proud to co-lead a joint statement—standing in solidarity with the estimated one million political prisoners detained worldwide. #FreeThemAll
freedomhouse.org/article/join...
freedomhouse.org/article/join...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
A truly shameful decision by #Kyrgyzstan to declare independent investigative outlets Temirov Live and Kloop as “extremist.” A country that was once a beacon of press freedom in Central Asia continues its slide into authoritarianism cpj.org/2025/10/kyrg...
Kyrgyzstan declares investigative outlets Kloop and Temirov Live ‘extremist’ - Committee to Protect Journalists
New York, October 28, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for the reversal of an October 27 court decision in Kyrgyzstan declaring the publications of investigative outlets Temirov Live an...
cpj.org
October 29, 2025 at 12:40 PM
A truly shameful decision by #Kyrgyzstan to declare independent investigative outlets Temirov Live and Kloop as “extremist.” A country that was once a beacon of press freedom in Central Asia continues its slide into authoritarianism cpj.org/2025/10/kyrg...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
It has been one and a half years since Anar Mammadli was detained in #Azerbaijan as reprisal for his election observation and #humanrights work. His detention is part of a worsening human rights situation in the country, marked by politically-motivated detentions.
October 29, 2025 at 1:33 PM
It has been one and a half years since Anar Mammadli was detained in #Azerbaijan as reprisal for his election observation and #humanrights work. His detention is part of a worsening human rights situation in the country, marked by politically-motivated detentions.
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
On October 31, we will mail messages of solidarity and hope to imprisoned journalist Dzyanis Ivashyn to let him know he has not been forgotten. Please join us! www.freedom-now.org/write-a-lett...
October 21, 2025 at 7:55 PM
On October 31, we will mail messages of solidarity and hope to imprisoned journalist Dzyanis Ivashyn to let him know he has not been forgotten. Please join us! www.freedom-now.org/write-a-lett...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
On Sunday, Cameroonians go to the polls to vote for president. But so long as journalists are persecuted for their reporting, elections cannot be truly democratic. Thomas Awah Jr and all wrongfully jailed journalists must be freed immediately. www.freedom-now.org/cases/thomas...
October 10, 2025 at 8:07 PM
On Sunday, Cameroonians go to the polls to vote for president. But so long as journalists are persecuted for their reporting, elections cannot be truly democratic. Thomas Awah Jr and all wrongfully jailed journalists must be freed immediately. www.freedom-now.org/cases/thomas...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
Since returning to power the Taliban have steadily eroded the rights of Afghans, especially the rights of Afghan women who have nearly been erased from public life. This unprecedented communications blackout is an escalation of these rights abuses and will also cause irreversible economic harm
September 30, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Since returning to power the Taliban have steadily eroded the rights of Afghans, especially the rights of Afghan women who have nearly been erased from public life. This unprecedented communications blackout is an escalation of these rights abuses and will also cause irreversible economic harm
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
For a second day, Afghanistan is cut off from the outside world as the Taliban regime has instituted a near total communications blackout. Internet and mobile phones services have been cut nationwide in order to "prevent immorality." www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Afghanistan ‘blind without phones and internet’ on second day of telecoms blackout
Taliban authorities cut fibre-optic network in nationwide shutdown of communications to prevent ‘vice’
www.theguardian.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:05 PM
For a second day, Afghanistan is cut off from the outside world as the Taliban regime has instituted a near total communications blackout. Internet and mobile phones services have been cut nationwide in order to "prevent immorality." www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
🚨 Yesterday marked 10 years since Tajik human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov was wrongfully imprisoned.
We call on Tajikistan’s authorities to free him immediately and release all others jailed for defending human rights.
🔗 Read the full statement here: www.lawyersforlawyers.org/lawyer-wrong...
We call on Tajikistan’s authorities to free him immediately and release all others jailed for defending human rights.
🔗 Read the full statement here: www.lawyersforlawyers.org/lawyer-wrong...
Lawyer wrongfully held for a decade - Free Buzurgmehr Yorov - Lawyers for Lawyers
Twelve civil society organisations, including Lawyers for Lawyers, have called for the release of Tajik lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov. In a separate statement, a coalition of bar associations have similarly...
www.lawyersforlawyers.org
September 29, 2025 at 9:37 AM
🚨 Yesterday marked 10 years since Tajik human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov was wrongfully imprisoned.
We call on Tajikistan’s authorities to free him immediately and release all others jailed for defending human rights.
🔗 Read the full statement here: www.lawyersforlawyers.org/lawyer-wrong...
We call on Tajikistan’s authorities to free him immediately and release all others jailed for defending human rights.
🔗 Read the full statement here: www.lawyersforlawyers.org/lawyer-wrong...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
It has been 10 years since #Tajikistan arrested human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov. He remains imprisoned on politically motivated charges. Freedom Now and 11 human rights organizations renew our call for his immediate and unconditional release www.freedom-now.org/tajikistan-l...
September 29, 2025 at 12:08 PM
It has been 10 years since #Tajikistan arrested human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov. He remains imprisoned on politically motivated charges. Freedom Now and 11 human rights organizations renew our call for his immediate and unconditional release www.freedom-now.org/tajikistan-l...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
Gubad Ibadoghlu turns 54 years old today. It's the 3rd birthday he's spent in #Azerbaijan, a country he cannot leave because of politically motivated charges still pending against him. We call for charge to be dropped against Gubad and all political prisoners in Azerbaijan
September 12, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Gubad Ibadoghlu turns 54 years old today. It's the 3rd birthday he's spent in #Azerbaijan, a country he cannot leave because of politically motivated charges still pending against him. We call for charge to be dropped against Gubad and all political prisoners in Azerbaijan
We welcome the @europarl.europa.eu Delegation's statement supporting #journalists repressed in #Belarus, including @freedomnoworg.bsky.social clients Igor Losik & Dzyanis Ivashyn. Attacks on media freedom are attacks on democracy & human rights.
www.europarl.europa.eu/delegations/...
www.europarl.europa.eu/delegations/...
Statement on standing with Belarusian Journalists Against Repression | Communiqués | Documents | D-BY | Delegations | European Parliament
Communiqués and public statements issued by the D-BY delegation and its Chair in response to current events and issues relevant to the delegation’s work.
www.europarl.europa.eu
September 10, 2025 at 6:28 PM
We welcome the @europarl.europa.eu Delegation's statement supporting #journalists repressed in #Belarus, including @freedomnoworg.bsky.social clients Igor Losik & Dzyanis Ivashyn. Attacks on media freedom are attacks on democracy & human rights.
www.europarl.europa.eu/delegations/...
www.europarl.europa.eu/delegations/...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
Today we filed a petition with the UN on behalf of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Mariel Domequil, and Alexander Abinguna, three activists who have been wrongfully detained in the #Philippines since 2020 for their human rights work www.freedom-now.org/philippines-...
September 5, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Today we filed a petition with the UN on behalf of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Mariel Domequil, and Alexander Abinguna, three activists who have been wrongfully detained in the #Philippines since 2020 for their human rights work www.freedom-now.org/philippines-...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
Because of the severe mistreatment he has suffered at the hands of the Togolese government after his arrest, his life is now at risk. We call on the government of Togo to comply with its international human rights obligations and release Abdoul! (2/2)
September 2, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Because of the severe mistreatment he has suffered at the hands of the Togolese government after his arrest, his life is now at risk. We call on the government of Togo to comply with its international human rights obligations and release Abdoul! (2/2)
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
We are deeply concerned about the recent hospitalization of Abdoul Aziz Goma due to his hunger strike and ongoing health issues. Abdoul has spent the last seven years wrongfully imprisoned in #Togo merely for exercising his human rights. (1/2)
September 2, 2025 at 6:01 PM
We are deeply concerned about the recent hospitalization of Abdoul Aziz Goma due to his hunger strike and ongoing health issues. Abdoul has spent the last seven years wrongfully imprisoned in #Togo merely for exercising his human rights. (1/2)
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
Journalist Dzyanis Ivashyn has been imprisoned in #Belarus for more than 4 years. Please join us in sending him messages of solidarity and encouragement to let him know he has not been forgotten. www.freedom-now.org/write-a-lett...
August 29, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Journalist Dzyanis Ivashyn has been imprisoned in #Belarus for more than 4 years. Please join us in sending him messages of solidarity and encouragement to let him know he has not been forgotten. www.freedom-now.org/write-a-lett...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
The UN Human Rights Council must establish an independent international accountability mechanism for #Afghanistan to support accountability for gross and systematic human rights violations and abuses and crimes under international law www.freedom-now.org/afghanistan-...
August 28, 2025 at 12:52 PM
The UN Human Rights Council must establish an independent international accountability mechanism for #Afghanistan to support accountability for gross and systematic human rights violations and abuses and crimes under international law www.freedom-now.org/afghanistan-...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
🚨 The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders is looking for input from human rights defenders for her final report to the UN Human Rights Council🚨 Learn about the type of input sought and how to submit - www.ohchr.org/en/calls-for...
OHCHR | Call for Input - Raising their voices: HRDs respond to the human rights crisis
BackgroundIn her final report to the Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders wishes to bring the voice of human rights defenders directly to the Council. At a time wh...
www.ohchr.org
August 20, 2025 at 1:03 PM
🚨 The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders is looking for input from human rights defenders for her final report to the UN Human Rights Council🚨 Learn about the type of input sought and how to submit - www.ohchr.org/en/calls-for...
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
Four years ago today, the Taliban regime took control of #Afghanistan, launching a campaign of repression. On this painful anniversary, the international community must address Afghanistan’s human rights and humanitarian crises without legitimizing the Taliban. www.freedom-now.org/afghanistan-...
August 15, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Four years ago today, the Taliban regime took control of #Afghanistan, launching a campaign of repression. On this painful anniversary, the international community must address Afghanistan’s human rights and humanitarian crises without legitimizing the Taliban. www.freedom-now.org/afghanistan-...
@freedomnoworg.bsky.social🧵 fills in some of many gaps in @statedept.govmirrors.com Country Reports on Human Rights. Specifically, we highlight political prisoners whose cases were omitted–a consequence of DoS' decision to stop covering some key rights & limit examples of abuses it does identify 👇
🧵Yesterday, @statedept.govmirrors.com finally released its 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. The new reports exclude critical info about human rights abuses & repeatedly fail to identify people wrongfully detained for exercising their basic human rights. www.state.gov/reports/2024... 🧵
2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - United States Department of State
The annual Human Rights Reports cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agre...
www.state.gov
August 13, 2025 at 4:02 PM
@freedomnoworg.bsky.social🧵 fills in some of many gaps in @statedept.govmirrors.com Country Reports on Human Rights. Specifically, we highlight political prisoners whose cases were omitted–a consequence of DoS' decision to stop covering some key rights & limit examples of abuses it does identify 👇
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
🙌 Our colleague, Ruth López — constitutional lawyer & fearless defender of Salvadorans’ rights — has been honored with the 2025 @americanbar.org International Human Rights Award.
Even as a political prisoner, her courage inspires the fight for justice. ✊
#RuthLopez #ABA2025 #HumanRights
Even as a political prisoner, her courage inspires the fight for justice. ✊
#RuthLopez #ABA2025 #HumanRights
August 12, 2025 at 3:47 PM
🙌 Our colleague, Ruth López — constitutional lawyer & fearless defender of Salvadorans’ rights — has been honored with the 2025 @americanbar.org International Human Rights Award.
Even as a political prisoner, her courage inspires the fight for justice. ✊
#RuthLopez #ABA2025 #HumanRights
Even as a political prisoner, her courage inspires the fight for justice. ✊
#RuthLopez #ABA2025 #HumanRights
Reposted by Daphne Panayotatos
Persecution of women in Afghanistan shows that gender should be a ground for refugee protection. Why doesn’t the US Board of Immigration Appeals see that? My thoughts in this op-ed in @thehill.com
@billfrelick.bsky.social @hrw.org
thehill.com/opinion/immi...
@billfrelick.bsky.social @hrw.org
thehill.com/opinion/immi...
thehill.com
August 12, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Persecution of women in Afghanistan shows that gender should be a ground for refugee protection. Why doesn’t the US Board of Immigration Appeals see that? My thoughts in this op-ed in @thehill.com
@billfrelick.bsky.social @hrw.org
thehill.com/opinion/immi...
@billfrelick.bsky.social @hrw.org
thehill.com/opinion/immi...