In 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison over his calls for a colorblind South Africa. He ended up serving 27 years behind bars.
Hours after his release on Feb. 11, 1990, Mandela vowed to end apartheid once and for all, telling a roaring crowd: "Today, the majority of South Africans, black and white, recognize that apartheid has no future. It has to be ended by our decisive mass action. We have waited too long for our freedom."
Under Mandela's tutelage, apartheid was gradually dismantled over the next several years. It was a battle that he and his countrymen had fought immeasurably hard to win.
But though Mandela, who died this week at the age of 95, eventually won his fight, many around the world today continue to fight their own battles, risking their lives and their freedom to speak up against injustice.
Here, we share ten stories of political prisoners who are still suffering in jails around the world for standing tall in the face of repression.
Hours after his release on Feb. 11, 1990, Mandela vowed to end apartheid once and for all, telling a roaring crowd: "Today, the majority of South Africans, black and white, recognize that apartheid has no future. It has to be ended by our decisive mass action. We have waited too long for our freedom."
Under Mandela's tutelage, apartheid was gradually dismantled over the next several years. It was a battle that he and his countrymen had fought immeasurably hard to win.
But though Mandela, who died this week at the age of 95, eventually won his fight, many around the world today continue to fight their own battles, risking their lives and their freedom to speak up against injustice.
Here, we share ten stories of political prisoners who are still suffering in jails around the world for standing tall in the face of repression.