Conference goers rethink current methods of hostage recovery, form transnational partnerships in defense of human rights.
The McCain Institute’s Pedro Pizano moderating panel, “Initiatives in Action: The Role of Solidarity”
VIENNA, AUSTRIA (November 1, 2024) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) recently co-hosted the “Echoes of Freedom (EoF) 2024 Conference,” in Vienna, Austria. The event convened human rights activists, legal experts, policymakers, and former political prisoners to advocate for the release of currently held political prisoners in nations around the world.
“The fight for the freedom of political prisoners, hostages, and wrongful detainees requires innovative lawyering and advocacy and working closely with a network of organizations, coalitions, and stakeholders,” said Pedro Pizano, Assistant Director for Democracy Programs at the McCain institute. “As we saw in the case of Vladimir Kara-Murza, international pressure from a large coalition can be instrumental in securing the release of political prisoners around the world.”
The McCain Institute’s Pedro Pizano moderated the panel, “Initiatives in Action: The Role of Solidarity,” and reported on the McCain Institute’s two-year initiative to help free Vladimir Kara-Murza from Russian prison, which resulted in his release in the historic prisoner swap on August 1, 2024.
“The goal of the Echoes of Freedom conference is to focus on defending political
prisoners’ rights and democracy globally,” said McCain Global Leader Hager Eissa, one of the leading organizers of the conference. “We plan to continually engage with public policy figures, members of the World Liberty Congress, the Political Prisoners Support Team, and other key players fighting for the freedom of political prisoners around the world.”
The conference is organized by The World Liberty Congress, The Angewandte Wien, The Axel Springer foundation, The Human Rights Foundation, Lichtblicke Wien, and the McCain Institute.
Watch the full event HERE.
Read more about the McCain Institute’s work to free political prisoners HERE.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
