Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person imprisoned for their political views or activities: A "political prisoner" is someone who is held in detention, typically by a government or state authority, primarily because of their political beliefs, expressions, or affiliations, rather than for common criminal offenses.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The human rights organization listed him as a political prisoner.
  • She was released after ten years as a political prisoner.
  • The regime denied holding any political prisoners.

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies that the imprisonment is unjust, arbitrary, or politically motivated, and is used by advocacy groups, journalists, and international bodies.
  • The report accused the country of using the judicial system to create political prisoners.

Variants and Related Words

• Prisoner of conscience (n): A specific type of political prisoner who is imprisoned for their non-violent beliefs, identity, or expression. This term is often used by organizations like Amnesty International.
  • The activist was recognized globally as a prisoner of conscience.

Synonyms

• Detainee: A person held in custody, often without formal charge or trial.
• Internee: A person who is confined as a prisoner, especially for political or military reasons.

Related Phrases

• To be held as a political prisoner: The state of being imprisoned for political reasons.
  • He is being held as a political prisoner for criticizing the government.

Noun

1. someone who is imprisoned because of their political views