Editorial photo #1974478 Human Interest

Oslo Freedom Forum 2017

Manal al-Sharif, a Saudi Arabian activist who started the #women2drive movement and was arrested for driving while female, holds up a photo of Saudi activist Alaa Alanazi, as she speaks at the opening press conference of the 2017 Oslo Freedom Forum on May 22 2017 at the Intercontinental Hotel in central Oslo. Alanazi is currently in jail in Saudi Arabia for standing in solidarity with Dina Ali, a Saudi woman who left her abusive husband and attempted to travel to Australia, but was turned around at Manila airport by authorities and forced to return to Saudi Arabia, where she is now jailed.. During the opening press conference of the Oslo Freedom Forum, human rights activists from around the world spoke on the importance to defend democracy in today's increasingly authoritarian world. The use of fake news and the gradual disassembly and defamation of working democratic institutions, including the press, were identified as key elements of a disintegrating democratic state. (Photo by Julia Reinhart/NurPhoto)