prisoner of conscience
noun phrase
: someone who is held in prison because of his or her political or religious beliefs
Examples of prisoner of conscience in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Among its more exciting recent releases is this novel, about a Cambridge University academic who is haunted by the story of his soft-spoken grandfather, who for 10 years was a prisoner of conscience in Vietnam.
—
Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
Cao was a prisoner of conscience, according to the federal U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which also called for his freedom.
—Huizhong Wu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
He was designated a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International in 2021, with the U.S. and other governments calling for his release.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024
The film delves into the theme of departure and aging as the globally renowned playwright is seen adding a new role – that of film director – to his past credits as prisoner of conscience, statesman and national reformer.
—Will Tizard, Variety, 25 Oct. 2023
Historians and human rights activists, however, said that for decades, with Mr. Mandela languishing as a prisoner of conscience, Mr. Buthelezi amplified his power with devious stratagems.
—Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2023
Historians and human rights activists, however, said that for decades, as Mandela languished as a prisoner of conscience, Buthelezi amplified his power with devious stratagems.
—Robert D. McFadden, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Sep. 2023
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Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
Cao was a prisoner of conscience, according to the federal U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which also called for his freedom.
—Huizhong Wu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
He was designated a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International in 2021, with the U.S. and other governments calling for his release.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024
The film delves into the theme of departure and aging as the globally renowned playwright is seen adding a new role – that of film director – to his past credits as prisoner of conscience, statesman and national reformer.
—Will Tizard, Variety, 25 Oct. 2023
Historians and human rights activists, however, said that for decades, with Mr. Mandela languishing as a prisoner of conscience, Mr. Buthelezi amplified his power with devious stratagems.
—Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2023
Historians and human rights activists, however, said that for decades, as Mandela languished as a prisoner of conscience, Buthelezi amplified his power with devious stratagems.
—Robert D. McFadden, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Sep. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Prisoner of conscience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prisoner%20of%20conscience. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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