Dissidents and Dictators

Casey and Elisha chat with Joey Siu, a 25-year-old Hong Konger with a bounty on her head, after the Chinese Communist Party accused her of violating its draconian national security law. In 2019, Siu played a pivotal role in organizing large-scale pro-democracy protests. Now, living in exile, her work has anything but slowed. Siu talks about what it was like to leave a home and a family she loved,...

Casey speaks with Russian opposition figure Anastasia Shevchenko, who was the first person to face criminal prosecution under Russia's so-called "undesirable organizations" law. Anastasia talks about how her role as a mother propelled her into the fight against both corruption and dictatorship, as well as the new documentary focusing on her work and family, which was recently shortlisted for an Ac...

Casey and Elisha talk with Rushan Abbas, the founder of Campaign for Uyghurs, about the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing genocide against Uyghurs. They discuss some of the policy successes in recent years helping shine a light on Beijing's crimes, and a new congressional caucus aiding Uyghurs. They also talk about Rushan's journey into activism - and how Beijing's efforts to silence her have blow...

Casey and Elisha speak with HRF's Africa policy officer, Mo Keita, talks about the recent arrest of Swazi activist and former podcast guest, Tanele Maseko. They talk about how the Swazi regime's efforts to silence critics continue to backfire and how to support the pro-democratic reformers targeting Africa's last absolute monarchy. To listen to Casey and Elisha speak to Tanele Maseko on Dissidents...

Casey and Elisha are joined by Karim Zidan, one of the world's foremost experts on how authoritarian regimes use the world of sports for their own ends. Karim discusses the history of the intersection of sports and politics, why the term "sportswashing" may already be outdated, and how depressing it is to be a Seattle Mariners fan. Learn more about our blog series on sportswashing: https://hrf.org...

Ideas Beyond Borders Founder Faisal Al Mutar joins Casey and Elisha to discuss the importance of creating a sense of national security for Iraqis as well as his experience combatting the villainy of authoritarianism and extremism. Then there’s the habibi effect. Show notes: To learn about Faisal Al Mutar: https://oslofreedomforum.com/speaker/faisal-al-mutar/ To learn about Ideas Beyond Boarders: h...

Elisha and Casey talk with Jay Nordlinger, a senior editor at National Review and one of the leading writers covering the threats of modern dictatorship. They talk about Jay's focus on authoritarians across the political spectrum, the community of writers and activists trying to take down tyrants, and why the offspring of dictators aren't always what you expect. They also talk about the greatness...

It's well-known at this point that Bitcoin has many uses, from the fun to the financial. But did you know Bitcoin can also help democratic movements flourish and find funding? Casey and Elisha talk with author and HRF Chief Strategy Officer Alex Gladstein about how Bitcoin has grown into a tool to fight dictatorships and how new technologies can help end tyranny. SHOW NOTES: Learn about HRF's Fina...

After her husband, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, was assassinated in front of her, Swazi human rights defender Tanele Maseko picked up right where he left off: peacefully (and powerfully) speaking truth to power. In this episode, she talks with Casey and Elisha about the politics of Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarchy, her husband's legacy, what she's doing as CEO of the Thulani Masek...

Casey and Elisha talk with Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko about Ukraine’s upcoming anniversaries—both the 10-year anniversary of Ukraine’s successful democratic revolution and the two-year anniversary of Russia’s expanded invasion. They discuss how Ukrainians remain on the frontlines of the fight against dictatorship and why democracies must continue supporting Kyiv.  To watch Lisa Yasko's piano song o...

Casey and Elisha talk with Joyce Ho, HRF's Asia-Pacific policy officer, about the recent elections in Taipei, the need for the ruling Democratic People's Party (DPP) to double down on democracy after narrowly beating the pro-Beijing Kuomintang Party (KMT), and what that all means for the future of the island. To read Joyce's op-ed in The Hill: https://thehill.com/opinion/4411515-taiwans-ruling-par...

Casey and Elisha sit down with HRF's Claudia Bennett, talking about the role of the fashion industry in propping up dictators. They discuss how the cotton industry relies on forced labor, and how consumers can find out where their clothes come from. They also talk about how the CCP targeted HRF's efforts to shine a light on Beijing's genocidal campaign against Uyghurs.  SHOW NOTES: 1. Learn abou...

Casey and Elisha talk about Casey's recent trip to Nairobi, and the latest on Russian and Chinese interference and corruption in Africa. They also discuss the latest on the frontlines of the fight for freedom in Ukraine. Plus, they talk about all the things crocodiles and dictatorships have in common. Show notes: Watch Casey Michel's talk at the Atlantic Council (Friday, Feb 2, @ 12:30 pm ET): htt...

With Casey off gallivanting halfway around the globe, Elisha is joined by HRF Chief Legal and Policy Officer Javier El-Hage. The two discuss Latin America's history with dictatorships, the many (and varying) shades of grey between left-wing and right-wing authoritarian regimes, and Javier's progression from a Che Guevara (myth) fan in college to a constitutional and international law professor and...

Casey and Elisha dive into the world of foreign agents, looking at how kleptocratic regimes use foreign lobbyists to do their dirty work. They also chat about the recent winner of the Corrupt Person of the Year award. And, of course, they talk about the newest addition to their office: Harry Styles. Show notes: To read more about the indictment of Bob Menendez: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/ar...

Casey and Elisha reunite after the holiday break, and Elisha brings with her catastrophic news: a mouse in her house. In the actually important segment, Elisha talks with Sebastien Lai, son of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial in Hong Kong under Beijing's national security law for “colluding with foreign forces"—aka, speaking out for freedom and democracy and against the Chinese Co...

Dec. 18 marks the anniversary of the death of dissident, playwright, and first democratically elected president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel. Elisha and Casey discuss his life and legacy, the role he played in Elisha's formative years, and the prize the Human Rights Foundation created in his honor. In lighter topics of discussion, Casey and Elisha talk about the office holiday party, Casey'...

Casey and Elisha talk about the latest news out of Venezuela, where Nicolas Maduro threatens to unleash an invasion on neighboring Guyana. They then turn to a spectacular espionage case out of Cuba, and what it says about dictatorships' infiltration efforts. They also talk about the UAE rolling out the red carpet for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Plus, naming Christmas trees after celebrities....

Monday, December 4, 2023 marked 250 days in prison for Wall Street Journal investigative reporter Evan Gershkovich on trumped-up espionage charges. Casey and Elisha discuss his case and what Evan's friends, family, and colleagues are doing to not forget him as he remains a political prisoner. Also up for conversation: Casey's article on New York City Mayor Eric Adams' entanglement with Turkey and...

As rapper Kendrick Lamar sets to headline Move Afrika in Rwanda, Casey and Elisha talk about the atrocities committed by the country’s ruler, Paul Kagame, and how and why dictators like him turn to celebrities to help launder their reputation abroad. The duo also discusses the ongoing genocide of Uyghurs in China and how democracies can help unwind the CCP’s sprawling efforts to erase Uyghur ident...

Casey and Elisha discuss HRF's recent pro-democracy conference in Taipei and the role the island plays in the struggle against tyranny in Beijing and around the world. They also discuss the legacies and brutality of Russian colonialism from Alaska to Ukraine. To learn about the Oslo Freedom Forum in Taiwan: https://oslofreedomforum.com/events/oslo-freedom-forum-taiwan-2023/ To read Casey's Politic...

Casey Michel, head of Combating Kleptocracy, and Elisha Maldonado, director of communications, welcome you to the Human Rights Foundation's revamped podcast, Dissidents and Dictators. The two co-hosts discuss the Foundation's vision, which focuses solely on authoritarian regimes, and why they traded newsrooms for the human rights mission field.

In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Philippa Thomas, a former BBC correspondent, and Dalia Hatuqa, an independent journalist specializing in Palestine and Israeli affairs, discuss the life, legacy, and story of the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Shireen’s life prematurely ended when she was killed by Israeli soldiers in May 2022 while reporting in Palestin...

Toribia Lero Quispe is a Bolivian assemblywoman and opposition leader affected by the 2019 electoral fraud committed by strongman Evo Morales. Quispe routinely faces violence, intimidation, and widespread judicial persecution. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, she sheds light on Bolivia’s democratic movement, protecting ordinary citizens against tyranny. Note: This episode...

Sanaa Seif is a British-Egyptian filmmaker, producer, and political activist leading a global campaign for her imprisoned brother, Alaa Abd el-Fattah. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Seif shares her family's story and speaks on the unjust imprisonment of those who speak against the Egyptian government. She calls on the international community to #FreeAlaa.