Europe and Central Asia: In danger for speaking out: Silencing human rights defenders in Europe and Central Asia

Europe and Central Asia: In danger for speaking out: Silencing human rights defenders in Europe and Central Asia

Human rights defenders across the region of Europe and Central Asia are targets of intimidation, systematic harassment and serious human rights violations. As they struggle to campaign for the rights of others, their own freedoms and safety come under attack. In some cases, the authorities try to silence them through torture, unfair trials and long prison terms. In the most extreme cases, they pay with their lives. This fact sheet includes illustrative examples.