WorldJuly 13, 2026

dissident

/ˈdɪsɪdənt/

Definition

A person who actively opposes an official government or established political regime, often resulting in their persecution or exile.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'dissidere,' meaning 'to sit apart' or 'to disagree.' It entered Middle English through the Latin 'dissidentem,' describing someone who stands apart from the majority opinion.

In the news

In this article, the term refers to Belarusian activists living in exile who are targeted by their home government's transnational repression efforts. The regime uses tactics like property seizure and surveillance to intimidate these individuals for their vocal opposition.

Distance Won’t Protect You: Belarusian Transnational Repression in Canada

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