Success Stories

Farai Maguwu was arrested on charges of providing false information after uncovering atrocities inflicted by military officials in the diamond fields of Zimbabwe. After receiving death threats upon his release, Freedom House called on the government of Zimbabwe to cease the intimidation and respect his right to carry out legitimate human rights work. 

“My work has exposed me to greater risk inside Zimbabwe and I am grateful that Freedom House has always been there for me, especially when I feel to be under imminent threat."

Learn more about our groundbreaking work in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Natalya Radina, editor of the news website Charter 97, which covers human rights violations and corruption in Belarus, was arrested in December 2010. Indicted on charges of organizing mass disorder in the post-election protests in Minsk, she faced up to 15 years in prison. In March, 2011, Freedom House helped her flee Belarus for Lithuania, where she was granted asylum.

“Freedom House was the first to support me after I was released from the KGB prison after the presidential election. I will always be thankful to Freedom House…who helped me get to Europe from Moscow, after I fled from the Belarusian KGB.”

Learn more about our programs in Central and Eastern Europe.