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Mamdani offers New Yorkers a break on unpaid city fines under new 90-day amnesty program
Mayor Zohran Mamdani launches Debt Demolisher, a 90-day NYC amnesty program allowing eligible New Yorkers and businesses to settle unpaid city fines at a discount.
Azerbaijan: Authorities must immediately release activist Bahruz Samadov who cut himself during latest court appearance
Reacting to reports that imprisoned Azerbaijani researcher and peace activist Bahruz Samadov harmed himself during a Supreme Court hearing on 25 September, Natalia Nozadze, Amnesty International’s South Caucasus Researcher, said: “Azerbaijani authorities are obliged to protect and fulfil Bahruz Samadov’s right to health while he remains unjustly imprisoned. While they continue to deny him access […]
Reform and the UAE – a threat to British politics
By Alex Carlen The United Arab Emirates likes to present itself as part of the solution to the climate crisis. The oil-rich Gulf state has committed to Net Zero by 2050, hosted COP 28, and even declared “championing climate action” as one of three strategic objectives for this week’s session of the United Nations General Assembly. But behind the scenes the UAE has quietly built one of its closest political relationships in Europe with the party most hostile to climate action in Britain: Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. There is no evidence that the UAE is funding Reform. But a new FairSquare report, Petro-populism: the UAE–Reform threat, published today, documents a growing political relationship that should concern anyone interested in the integrity of British democracy. Reform’s leaders have embraced the UAE’s political model and promoted positions that align closely with the Emirati government’s priorities, while the UAE has given Farage and his party unusually warm access and public backing. What is emerging is not simply a relationship between British politicians and a wealthy Gulf state, but a channel through which an authoritarian government can cultivate political influence here, and abroad. Democracy for Sale relies on its readers. If you already support us, thanks so much. If you don’t, sign up to support fearless independent investigative journalism. Subscribe Back in January, Nigel Farage appeared at a GB News event in Dubai. On the 50th floor of a tower overlooking the luxury resorts and upscale residences of Palm Jumeirah, the Reform leader declared: “I want Clacton to look like this.” At the event – which Farage never declared on his official register of interests – senior Emirati officials mixed with British expats. Farage was keen to flatter. “We recognise you are our friends”, he said, assuring them that “a Brexit London, a Reform London, will remember you.” Controversy surrounding Reform’s finances and its susceptibility to foreign influence have centred around high-profile donations from billionaire crypto donors, and the jailing of Nathan Gill, Reform’s former leader in Wales, for accepting bribes to give pro-Russia speeches. Far less attention has been paid to Reform’s blossoming new alliance with the UAE, an oil-rich authoritarian state with a track record of ruinous anti-democratic interventions. Farage wasn’t always so fond of the UAE. Back in 2023 he called it an “absolute monarchy with an abysmal human rights record.” Now Reform’s hierarchy calls the UAE home. Deputy leader Richard Tice splits his time between his constituency and Dubai and has called on the UK to learn from the UAE. The party’s treasurer Nick Candy runs a firm which has been in partnership with a UAE-state linked firm since 2024. Nadhim Zahawi sits on the board of an Abu Dhabi think tank alongside an array of the most senior UAE officials and is reportedly close to three brothers of the country’s despotic ruler Mohammed Bin Zayed. Reform’s leading lights have effusively praised the UAE’s governance model, defended it from criticism, and advanced its political agenda in the UK. GB News, whose two major shareholders – the Legatum Foundation and Paul Marshall – have strong links to the UAE, has been more than happy to broadcast UAE propaganda and was forced to pay damages in 2025 after airing a false claim about a UK charity by the UAE “disinfluencer” Amjad Taha. The UAE has responded in kind. When the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs conducted an official visit to the UK in May, Farage was the only non-government figure granted an audience. UAE state media publicised the meeting, and said that they discussed “the strategic relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them in a manner that serves mutual interests.” For the UAE these ‘mutual interests’ largely concern its paranoia over political Islam, and in this regard the UAE-Reform alliance is part of a broad and troubling pattern. Following a crackdown on dissent at home in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, the UAE has offered material and political support to a range of violent and authoritarian actors willing to oppose the Muslim Brotherhood with no regard for the consequences. Its meddling in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, and most notably Sudan, have been devastating. The UAE’s strategy of seeking out partners on the political fringes who it believes will advance its interests is not unique to Britain – it extends beyond the Middle East to Europe and the US. In France, it has offered clandestine support to Marine Le Pen through secret meetings, as well allegedly funding trips to the region after which Le Pen returned with a renewed focus on the UAE’s perceived enemies – Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood. Left-wing opposition leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has accused the UAE of smearing him and of “encouraging discrimination, hatred or violence”. In the US, the UAE actively supported the rise of Donald Trump, establishing itself as a key ally during both his first and second terms. Around these relationships sits a wider ecosystem of figures willing to amplify UAE narratives, that even extends to Andrew Tate and Tommy Robinson. Subscribe In Britain, the UAE has used a combination of aggressive diplomacy and illicit, disruptive tactics to achieve its policy goal of eliminating any perceived threat from political Islam. In 2012, for instance, it threatened to block billion-pound arms deals with the UK and stop inward investment if David Cameron did not act against the Muslim Brotherhood and rein in the BBC’s coverage of the group – going so far as to suggest, with no supporting evidence, that the group had infiltrated the BBC. It has financed smear campaigns against a high-profile UK charity and funded a mercenary to secretly surveil, and possibly assassinate, a British national on British soil. In Reform UK, the UAE has finally found an ally willing to not only ban the Muslim Brotherhood, but to publicly vilify the group and repeat the UAE’s claims that dangerous Muslims are a fifth column in British society, a narrative that aligns with the Islamophobia and anti-immigration sentiments that underpin Reform’s populist politics. The Rycroft review into foreign interference concluded that “hostile states and non-state actors have a clear incentive to attempt to undermine UK democracy.” The UAE’s network and alliance with Reform must be understood within that framework. It is a powerful, disruptive and deeply authoritarian actor with the resources and networks to intervene in our politics, and a track-record of doing so in a multitude of other countries. The evidence of the threat the UAE poses is overwhelming. The question is whether parliamentarians are willing to call the UAE out and demand action using the tools that the government has to respond. Placing the UAE on the “Enhanced Tier” of the Foreign Registration scheme alongside Russia and Iran would send a powerful signal to the UAE that its meddling will no longer be tolerated, and would place Farage’s next trips to the UAE under the scrutiny they deserve. Alex Carlen is research and advocacy manager at London based human rights organisation FairSquare and author of its new report Petro-populism: the UAE–Reform threat. Subscribe
Tunisia: Authorities must immediately release Rached Ghannouchi amid severe fair trial violations and serious health concerns
Tunisian authorities must release prominent opposition politician Rached Ghannouchi, quash his convictions and end the politically motivated prosecutions against him marred by significant due process violations, Amnesty International said today. The organization is also urgently calling for him to receive access to adequate healthcare pending his release. The 84-year-old leader of the Ennahdha party and former Speaker of Parliament has been held in arbitrary detention since his arrest in April […]
A political amnesty law takes effect in Thailand but excludes lese majeste
BANGKOK (AP) — An amnesty for political offenses committed in Thailand over the past two decades took effect Monday, but the law excludes some of the more serious cases, including those involving lese majeste, or defaming the monarchy.
Russia: Anti-war politician Lev Shlosberg sentenced to 11 years and one month in prison amid mounting pressure on his Yabloko party
His arbitrary prosecution and sentencing are blatant reprisals for exercising his right to freedom of expression to call for peace.
Azerbaijan: Health of imprisoned government critics at risk as another political activist faces extradition threat
The Azerbaijani authorities must ensure that Ali Karimli, Alasgar Mammadli and all other prisoners have immediate access to adequate drinking water, ventilation and all necessary medical care. Ukraine must fulfil its human rights obligations and not extradite Bahruz Hasanli to Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan: Health of imprisoned government critics at risk as another political activist faces extradition threat
The Azerbaijani authorities must ensure that Ali Karimli, Alasgar Mammadli and all other prisoners have immediate access to adequate drinking water, ventilation and all necessary medical care. Ukraine must fulfil its human rights obligations and not extradite Bahruz Hasanli to Azerbaijan.
Global: Extreme heat exposes deadly collision of climate change, corporate greed and political failure as rights burn
Extreme heat is not just a weather event. This heat is political.
Georgia: Journalist jailed and comedian attacked for political satire
Reacting to the 14-day jailing of journalist Vakho Sanaia over his satirical Facebook posts and a reported assault on comedian Onise Okriashvili following a smear campaign in pro-government media prompted by a joke he had made, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Regional Director, said: “Beating up and imprisoning government critics […]
Egypt: Release dozens detained over Gen Z online group calling for political change
The Egyptian authorities must release dozens of people detained for their association with a Gen Z online group calling for political change and publishing content critical of the government, Amnesty International said today. Since late May, officers from the National Security Agency (NSA) arrested at least 50 people, including nine women, for being part of the “Gen Z002” group on the social media platform, Discord, which called in October 2025 for toppling President Abdel […]
EU Top Court Backs Amnesty for Catalan Independence Leaders
The European Union’s top court ruled in favor of a Spanish law granting amnesty to Catalan politicians who held a referendum for the region’s independence in 2017, handing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez a political boost.
Sweden: European Social Rights Committee calls for an end to Sweden’s two-tier healthcare system
Amnesty International welcomes a landmark decision by the European Committee of Social Rights finding that Sweden breached the right to health without discrimination.
The Painting That Is Still on Trial in South Korea: How the unending Korean War became a permanent excuse to criminalise expression
By Boram Jang, East Asia Researcher at Amnesty International In a Seoul courtroom in March this year, a prosecutor read out charges against Jeon Seung-il, a former art student, from an indictment first written in 1989. The language had not changed, nor had the charges. Thirty-seven years later, only the young defendant had grown old. In 1989, he was 23 years old in a South Korea still shaped by decades […]
Football regulator faces 'defining test' over potential Derby investment
English football's independent regulator faces a "defining test" as Saudi Arabian government official Turki Al-Sheikh attempts to invest in Derby County, says Amnesty International.
Iran: Mass arbitrary arrests and political executions mark intensifying repression
Iranian authorities are using the cover of what they call “wartime conditions” to intensify their repression of dissent through mass arbitrary arrests, accelerated grossly unfair judicial proceedings, politically motivated executions, harsh prison sentences, and asset confiscations, Amnesty International said today. Since the unlawful military attack launched by the USA and Israel against Iran on 28 […]
Dominican Republic: Global leadership in health requires domestic consistency and an end to racial discrimination
As it assumes the presidency of the world’s leading global health forum, President Abinader’s government has the responsibility to demonstrate that its international leadership translates into real guarantees, without racial discrimination.
Mali: Authorities must immediately clarify the fate and whereabouts of lawyer and pro-democracy politician Mountaga Tall
On 3 May 2026, leader of the National Congress for Democratic Initiative Mountaga Tall was abducted by armed and hooded men.
He continues to resist despite his frail health: wife of jailed Ugandan politician Kizza Besigye
His health is not good, but he is strong in spirit Besigye is strong in spirit. He continues to state his innocence, and he continues to remind people that all this is political and that you never give up what you believe in, what you stand for politically, just because you are being persecuted. So, […]
He continues to resist despite his frail health: wife of jailed Ugandan politician Kizza Besigye
His health is not good, but he is strong in spirit Besigye is strong in spirit. He continues to state his innocence, and he continues to remind people that all this is political and that you never give up what you believe in, what you stand for politically, just because you are being persecuted. So, […]
Santa Marta conference unlocks historic political momentum for just transitions that must translate into rights-centric action
The First conference on Transitioning away from Fossil Fuels sent a strong political signal that the age of fossil fuels must end at Santa Marta.
As undocumented migrants line up for Spain's amnesty program, political opponents vow a fight
US imposed 2-week deadline during secret Cuba meeting
The US gave Cuba two weeks to free high-profile political prisoners during a secret meeting or face up to the Trump administration's consequences.
Cuba: Authorities must now release those detained for political reasons and end repression
Amnesty International warns that recent prisoner releases in Cuba continue to be marked by discretion and a lack of transparency, and demands an end to political repression.
Cuba begins releasing prisoners under scrutiny of rights groups, U.S. govt
Cuba began releasing prisoners from its jails on Friday just hours after its communist-run government announced a sweeping amnesty coinciding with the most intense pressure campaign applied by the U.S.
Georgia: Opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria given politically motivated prison sentence for graffiti
In Elene Khoshtaria’s case, the severity of the punishment appears related not to material damage, but to her political opinions and the symbolic damage she has inflicted on the ruling party
Lebanon: Israel must halt attacks on healthcare workers, medical facilities and first responders
Responding to the killings and injuries of dozens of healthcare workers and first responders in Lebanon since 2 March 2026, amid escalating attacks by the Israeli military and its allegations – without providing evidence – that ambulances and healthcare sites are being used for military activities and may be targeted, Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said: “Israel is deploying the same deadly playbook it used in 2024 in Lebanon to kill dozens […]
Venezuela receives more than 1,500 amnesty requests under new law
More than 370 political prisoners have already been granted amnesty under the US-backed legislation.
Opposition activists among 379 prisoners set for release under Venezuela's amnesty
Venezuela has begun releasing hundreds of people detained for political reasons under a new amnesty law
Venezuela grants amnesty to 379 political prisoners
The move is in line with a new law, giving hope to throngs of others imprisoned over alleged plots to oust the government.
Venezuela Approves Amnesty for Political Prisoners, But Many Won’t Benefit
A law passed under U.S. pressure promises reconciliation but offers exclusions that raise doubts about how many prisoners will be freed.
Video: Venezuela Releases Political Prisoners, With Conditions
Since Nicolás Maduro’s capture by the United States, Venezuela has released hundreds of political prisoners and approved a new amnesty law, although the restrictions on those freed have raised questions about whether this signals real change. Our international correspondent Simon Romero describes what’s happening.
Venezuelan opposition politician released after amnesty law passed
Juan Pablo Guanipa announces that he has been freed after "almost nine months" of imprisonment.
Venezuela grants amnesty that could release hundreds of political detainees
More than 600 people may be in custody for political reasons, one Venezuelan rights group estimates.
Venezuela approves amnesty that may release of hundreds detained for political reasons
Venezuela's acting president has signed into law an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of politicians, activists, lawyers and many others. The approval marks a stark turn for the nation.
Venezuela approves amnesty bill, paving way for release of hundreds of political detainees
Venezuela’s legislature on Thursday approved an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of politicians, activists, lawyers and many others, effectively acknowledging that the government has held hundreds of people in prison for political motivations.
Why Venezuela passed a law to free hundreds of political prisoners after the US ousted Maduro
Venezuela has passed an amnesty law to free hundreds of political prisoners, in what the government calls a step toward reconciliation after the US ousted President Nicolás Maduro.
Hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela could be released under new amnesty bill
Venezuela's acting president announces amnesty bill that could free hundreds of political prisoners, including opposition leaders and journalists.
Venezuela announces amnesty bill that could lead to release of political prisoners
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday announced an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners detained for political reasons.
Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez announces amnesty for political prisoners
Move is a hopeful sign in repressive nation weeks after US toppled former leader Nicolás Maduro
Venezuela plans amnesty law for political prisoners and closure of notorious prison
Venezuela’s acting president has announced a proposed amnesty law that could lead to the release of hundreds of political prisoners, as well as the closure of a notorious detention center, in her latest concessions since the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela announces amnesty bill that could lead to mass release of political prisoners
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday announced an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners, including opposition leaders, jou…
Venezuela’s Rodriguez Announces Amnesty For Political Prisoners
Venezuela’s interim government announced broad amnesty for political prisoners on Friday, a move that could benefit hundreds of people still held in the country’s jails, EFE reported, citing comments from acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
n Venezuela, Amnesty for Political Prisoners Stokes Hope and Frustration
Venezuela’s new leaders and President Trump have alluded to a major release of political prisoners, but the liberations have been slow to come.
Andrew Johnson's 1868 Christmas pardon shows how forgiveness and politics collide
Historical amnesty to confederates is often cited in discussions about pardons for political violence and democracy