The World Liberty Congress is honored to receive the 2026 Noble Prize – Guardian of Democracy Award at The World Forum 2026 in Berlin.
Presented into the hands of our WLC delegation during the Forum, this recognition strengthens our commitment to defending democracy and fundamental freedoms worldwide.
We would like to dedicate this to the million political prisoners and would like to affirm our mission: to stand firmly as guardians of liberty and democratic values everywhere.
Three years ago, Félix Maradiaga, President of the World Liberty Congress, was released after more than 600 days in prison for standing up to authoritarianism in Nicaragua. His release came as part of a mass expulsion: on February 9, 2023, the Ortega-Murillo regime freed 222 political prisoners, only to banish them from the country and strip them of their citizenship — an act widely described as unprecedented in Latin America.
For Félix — and for so many former political prisoners around the world — freedom remains incomplete. Detention and silence were followed by statelessness and forced exile, denying them the right to return home or reclaim their identity.
His story is not unique. Across the globe, authoritarian regimes replace prison walls with exile, releasing political prisoners only to leave them stateless, separated from their families, and deprived of their most basic rights.
Freedom is not just walking out of a cell. It is having a country, an identity, the right to return home, and the ability to rebuild life without fear. Today is not a celebration. It is a reminder: Release is not freedom.
Carine Kanimba—former WLC spokesperson during the General Assembly in Berlin—shares an overview of the work the World Liberty Congress has been building since its very beginning. She highlights how WLC has grown into a global movement bringing together pro-democracy leaders, activists, and dissidents united by a common mission: defending freedom and standing up to authoritarianism.
Free Iran
The World Liberty Congress expresses its deep concern over the events that have taken place in Honduras in recent days, which point to an accelerated deterioration of democratic institutions, a climate of political confrontation, and troubling signs of undue pressure on the system of checks and balances.
Read the statement here:
World Liberty Congress – We are fighters for freedom
World Liberty Congress Statement on the Democratic Situation in Honduras – World Liberty Congress
The World Liberty Congress (WLC) expresses its deep concern over the events that have taken place in Honduras in recent days, which point to an acc...
The World Liberty Congress condemns the arbitrary arrest of our member, Sarah Bireete—a respected Ugandan lawyer and Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance—reportedly taken into custody without disclosed charges.
Coming at a moment of heightened political tension ahead of Uganda’s upcoming elections, her detention raises urgent concerns about escalating repression and the intimidation of independent civic voices.
We are equally alarmed by reports that the authorities have publicly listed other WLC members and allied human rights defenders, placing them at heightened risk of abduction, arrest, and harassment in the days and months ahead.
WLC calls for Ms. Bireete’s immediate release, full access to counsel and due process, and an end to the targeting of human rights defenders and pro-democracy advocates in Africa—and we urge Ugandan authorities to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections in which all citizens can participate without fear.
From Madagascar to Berlin, WLC members share what it meant to stand alongside fellow freedom fighters at the World Liberty Congress General Assembly. They reflect on the power of global solidarity, the shared values that unite the movement, and the challenges they face defending democracy at home—showing how being part of the WLC strengthens their resolve to continue the fight for freedom in Madagascar.
Hager Eissa, WLC Leadership Council member and a Sudanese activist, speaks about the devastating war that has displaced millions of people and left the country facing severe shortages of food and medicine. Recalling the 2019 uprising, she emphasizes that the creativity and solidarity of young people are Sudan’s main source of hope and part of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice around the world.
The WLC expresses concern over renewed fighting along the Thailand–Cambodia border and its growing humanitarian impact on civilian populations.
”A border dispute can be resolved with international laws and a true ceasefire and a commitment to a long term peace for both nations.” Sochua Mu, WLC Leadership Council member.
Read the full statement here:
World Liberty Congress – We are fighters for freedom
World Liberty Congress Statement on Humanitarian Concerns Along the Thailand–Cambodia Border – World Liberty Congress
The World Liberty Congress (WLC) expresses concern over renewed fighting along the Thailand–Cambodia border and its growing humanitarian impact o...
Freedom is never achieved alone. Almost five years in prison.
Today, Jeanine Áñez is free.
Carolina Ribera, a WLC member, reflects on the journey to her mother Jeanine Áñez's release and the role that WLC and the PPST program played in supporting her along the pathway to freedom. Standing for freedom, together.
During the WLC General Assembly in Berlin, Alfredo Jimeno, former Regional Secretary of the Americas, highlighted the importance of staying connected, working together for democratic transitions, and standing united in advocating for all political prisoners as our own.
At the Nobel Peace Prize events, WLC co-founder Masih Alinejad met with Venezuelan leader and laureate María Corina Machado — two women united in their fight against tyranny.
Their meeting is a reminder that the struggle for liberty transcends borders — and that when freedom fighters unite, authoritarianism trembles.
“Wounded but unbowed to dictators. From Venezuela to Iran, we become freedom.”
#NobelForVenezuela
Today, on #InternationalHumanRightsDay, we remember that for millions, rights remain a promise, not a reality. Across continents, people risk their lives to resist tyranny.
We stand with women whose rights are attacked for daring to lead, speak, and demand equality. We demand the release of all political prisoners, whose rights are violated every day.
No voice should be punished for speaking truth. Every person deserves freedom. Every right must be defended. Human rights belong to all — and their defense begins with you.
Today marks 1 year since the unjust and arbitrary detention of Jesús Armas, WLC member, by the Venezuelan regime. Speaking truth to power and defending human rights is not a crime—yet Jesús remains imprisoned without having the opportunity to a fair trial, simply for standing up for freedom and justice. We demand his immediate and unconditional release.
#NobelForVenezuela
Nilofar Ayoubi, former WLC Regional Secretary for MENA, delivered a summary speech at the General Assembly in Berlin, bringing the voice of Afghan and Iranian women to the global stage. Her message was a powerful call for unity and hope, emphasizing that the fight for fundamental women's rights and freedoms continues with unwavering resolve.
#Freedom
From the World Liberty Congress, we unequivocally condemn the cruelty committed by the Maduro regime in the case of Alfredito Díaz, a former governor and political prisoner whose death in custody reflects the regime’s ongoing brutality. Denied the medical attention he desperately needed, Díaz was left to die inside El Helicoide, the biggest torture center in Latin America.
His death is a stark reminder of the systemic abuses suffered by countless political detainees. We urge the international community to demand the immediate release of all political prisoners in Venezuela and around the world, and to stand firm in defending human rights, freedom, and justice worldwide.
At the WLC General Assembly in Berlin, former WLC President Masih Alinejad opened with a powerful call to action: the time has come to bring down authoritarianism — and the strength to do it lies in each of us.
Her message was clear: this movement is driven by the courage, determination, and unity of people who refuse to be silenced. “It’s all about you”.
#togetherwearestronger #Freedom
At the General Assembly in Berlin, the former vice president of the World Liberty Congress, Garry Kasparov, delivered his opening remarks, stressing that this is a fight we, the real fighters, must win against dictators everywhere, abroad and within our own countries.
He ended with a message of resolve and hope, declaring that together, “we shall overcome.”
#Freedom #HumanRights
At the WLC General Assembly in Berlin, former Secretary General Leopoldo López reflected on the origins of the World Liberty Congress — how it began as a bold idea and has grown into the largest global alliance of pro-democracy leaders and freedom fighters. His remarks were a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from unity, courage, and a shared commitment to advancing human rights and democracy around the world.
