Over 1,000 MPs suffered human rights abuses in 2025 according to Inter-Parliamentary Union figures
In the lead-up to Human Rights Day, the IPU has published its latest data on human rights violations against parliamentarians.
The data is compiled by the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, a unique international complaints mechanism with the specific mandate to defend the human rights of MPs.
In 2025, the Committee reviewed a record 1,027 individual cases of alleged human rights violations against parliamentarians from an unprecedented 58 countries, with all regions of the world affected.
Disproportionate increase in the number of persecuted women MPs
The data shows that the number of persecuted women MPs monitored by the IPU has increased sixfold in ten years – from 37 cases in 2015 to 226 in 2025. This compares with a three-fold increase in the numbers of male MPs over the same period (283 in 2015 to 801 in 2025).
Opposition parliamentarians targeted
In 2025, 83% of the cases involved opposition MPs, confirming a long-standing pattern which shows that they face significantly higher risks of abuse: especially suspension or loss of parliamentary mandate and violations of their right to freedom of expression.
Speaking out is risky
The IPU data also reveals structural patterns of political retaliation, selective prosecution or pressure on dissenting voices, with reported violations of freedom of expression disproportionately targeting vocal critics of governments. In contrast, MPs from the majority tend to be much less exposed to violations relating to free speech.
Success stories
Despite the overall increase in cases, the IPU was able to successfully close dozens of cases, in Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Malaysia, Senegal, Thailand and Zimbabwe, following satisfactory resolutions in 2025.
In Iraq, after more than a decade in detention, Mr. Ahmed Jamil Salman Al-Alwani, a former MP, was released in 2025. The release followed an IPU mission in August 2023, during which the IPU used diplomatic channels to urge political and religious leaders to prevent Mr. Al-Alwani’s wrongful execution.
Ongoing cases
However, the IPU Committee continues to monitor several high-profile cases including detained parliamentarians in Bangladesh, Eritrea, Eswatini, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Tunisia and Türkiye.
The caseload includes Mr. Marwan Barghouti, a former member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, who has been detained in Israel for 23 years, serving five life sentences and two 20-year prison terms after a trial reportedly marred by irregularities.
The IPU calls for his immediate release in the context of the international campaign Free Marwan.
In Bangladesh, the IPU is concerned for the personal safety of, among others, its Honorary President, Mr. Saber Chowdhury, a former MP, who faces numerous charges including sedition, conspiracy and unlawful assembly, in allegedly politically motivated legal proceedings.
The IPU is also alarmed by the situation of Mr. Fazle Karim Chowdhury, former President of its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, who faces similar charges in Bangladesh and who is detained in allegedly harsh conditions. Despite his poor health, he has reportedly been denied adequate medical care, putting his life at imminent risk.
The IPU calls for international solidarity from IPU Member Parliaments, the international community and the competent national authorities to uphold the rights of MPs currently in detention in Bangladesh and around the world.
2026: A year for human rights at the IPU
In 2026, the IPU will prioritize the theme of respect for human rights, starting with the launch of a major global report on public harassment and intimidation of MPs both online and in person.
© IPU
