political arrests

Political arrests are detentions carried out by a government against individuals for their beliefs, speech, associations, or opposition to those in power rather than for ordinary criminal conduct.

The term implies illegitimacy—that the state is using its authority to silence dissent rather than enforce just laws: The regime conducted mass political arrests after the protests.

Distinguishing political arrests from legitimate law enforcement often depends on perspective; governments typically insist such detentions are lawful while critics see persecution.