political prisoner
noun
a person who is arrested or imprisoned because their political beliefs or activities are seen as a threat to the government or state.
political prisoners
-
pluralof political prisoner.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a landmark case against authorities at the notorious Robben Island prison, Pillay secured the right for political prisoners to access legal representation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
So far, Rodriguez's government and Figuera's team have completed two rounds of talks, with the most tangible result being the release of political prisoners.
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026
Gershkovich was held in Moscow's infamous Lefortovo jail, which has held some of the country's most high-profile inmates over the years, including political prisoners and dissidents.
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026
Gonzalo Himiob, vice-president of rights group Foro Penal, said "a significant number" of political prisoners had been released on Saturday morning from several of Venezuela's detention centres.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026
On this occasion the king released political prisoners, remitted taxes, endowed temples, forgave rebels, increased military preparedness and, in short, did all the things that modern rulers do when they wish to stay in office.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
