A political prison refers to a facility where individuals are detained for their political beliefs, actions, or opposition to governmental authority. Political prisoners are often subjected to severe human rights abuses, as their imprisonment is typically not due to criminal acts but rather dissent against the regime. The existence of political prisons reflects the state of governance and civil liberties within a country; their presence often indicates an authoritarian or repressive political environment. Moreover, international attention to political imprisonment can stimulate discussions about human rights, democracy, and the need for governance reforms.