A resolution supporting the designation of October 30 as the "International Day of Political Prisoners".

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 472

119th Congress

A resolution supporting the designation of October 30 as the "International Day of Political Prisoners".

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 29, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Roger Wicker

R - MS

Cosponsors

2

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

Supports designating October 30 as the "International Day of Political Prisoners" to honor an estimated 1 million political prisoners worldwide. The date commemorates the 1974 Soviet Gulag tradition when Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of conscience began marking this day through hunger strikes to draw attention to political imprisonment.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S7829)

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

Supports designating October 30 as the "International Day of Political Prisoners" to honor an estimated 1 million political prisoners worldwide. The date commemorates the 1974 Soviet Gulag tradition when Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of conscience began marking this day through hunger strikes to draw attention to political imprisonment.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Supports October 30 designation honoring 1974 Soviet Gulag prisoner protest tradition
Estimates 1 million political prisoners held worldwide
Names authoritarian regimes including Belarus, China, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Myanmar, Russia, Turkey, Venezuela
Recognizes 2024-2025 US releases of prisoners from Belarus, Russia, and Venezuela
Urges continued US efforts to secure release of political prisoners globally

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Raises awareness for an estimated 1 million political prisoners including journalists, academics, activists, and human rights defenders detained worldwide. Families of detained individuals gain international recognition of their cause. Authoritarian governments named in the resolution face diplomatic pressure. Human rights organizations can leverage the designation for advocacy. The resolution affirms US commitment to challenging political repression globally.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

472, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution supporting the designation of October 30 as the "International Day of Political Prisoners".". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sres-472