Without Just Cause: Political Prisoners and the Fight to Free Them

Using the law to charge and imprison political opponents is a favorite tactic of dictators the world over. In an age of growing global authoritarianism, unscrupulous rulers are getting more strategic about their methods and sharing lessons learned. The fight to free political prisoners is one with moving goalposts for the human rights attorneys and advocates working hard behind the scenes. Jared Genser of Perseus Strategies and Caoilfhionn Gallagher of Doughty Street Chambers, both human rights lawyers, explain how these processes often play out in reality, and where governments frequently fall short. Diane Foley, founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, created and named for her journalist son in 2014 after his public beheading by ISIS, describes what motivated her to try and improve efforts to free hostages after her horrific experience. Mark Stephens, the founder of Howard Kennedy law firm in the UK, moderates the conversation. aspenideas.org

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