In 2026, many people living in Muslim-majority countries are still fighting for basic fairness. While every country has its own story, these ten leaders and governments are known for being the most "oppressive"—meaning they use power to take away freedom, hurt their own people, or stop anyone from speaking the truth.
1. Afghanistan: The Taliban (Leader: Hibatullah Akhundzada)
Since 2021, the Taliban has turned Afghanistan into a place where women are almost completely hidden. Girls cannot go to school, and women cannot work most jobs. They use harsh punishments in public to keep people afraid.
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The Issue: Total loss of rights for women and girls.
2. Iran: The Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei)
In early 2026, Iran saw huge protests again. The government responded by shutting down the internet and arresting thousands of people. They use the death penalty to scare anyone who asks for a different kind of government.
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The Issue: Violent crackdowns on protesters and internet blackouts.
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Report: Human Rights Watch - Iran
3. Syria: The Transitional & Military Groups (Post-Assad Era)
Even though the long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad was pushed out in late 2025, the new groups in charge are still fighting. Many people are still missing, and there are reports of new groups hurting people based on their religion.
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The Issue: Torture in prisons and missing persons.
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Report: Amnesty International - Syria
4. Egypt: President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
President Sisi has been in power for over ten years. He has put thousands of people in jail just for writing things on Facebook or protesting peacefully. In 2026, he still uses "anti-terror" laws to stop anyone from criticizing him.
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The Issue: Jailing journalists and peaceful critics.
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Report: Human Rights Watch - Egypt
5. Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)
While the country is becoming more "modern" with new cities and concerts, it is still very dangerous to disagree with the Prince. People have been sentenced to decades in prison just for a few tweets.
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The Issue: Extreme prison sentences for social media posts.
6. Pakistan: The Military Establishment (Leader: Asim Munir)
In 2026, the military has a very tight grip on the country. They have kept the most popular leader, Imran Khan, in jail and are accused of "disappearing" activists who speak out against the Army’s power.
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The Issue: Suppressing political parties and "missing" activists.
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Report: Amnesty International - Pakistan
7. United Arab Emirates (UAE): President Mohamed bin Zayed
The UAE looks rich and fancy, but it has zero tolerance for dissent. In 2026, many human rights defenders are still in prison after "unfair trials." You can be arrested just for joining an advocacy group.
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The Issue: No freedom of speech and mass trials for activists.
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Report: Human Rights Watch - UAE
8. TĂĽrkiye: President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄźan
President ErdoÄźan has used the courts to go after his rivals. In 2026, many lawyers and mayors have been removed from their jobs or put on trial simply because they belong to a different political party.
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The Issue: Using the law to punish political enemies.
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Report: Amnesty International - TĂĽrkiye
9. Turkmenistan: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
This is one of the most closed countries in the world. The government controls everything people see and hear. There is no such thing as an independent newspaper or a protest in Turkmenistan.
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The Issue: Total government control over all information.
10. Tajikistan: President Emomali Rahmon
President Rahmon has ruled since the 1990s. He has banned all political opposition and uses "security" as an excuse to arrest anyone who practices their religion in a way the government doesn't like.
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The Issue: Closing down political parties and religious freedom.
The Takeaway for 2026
The "Hard Reset" for these countries isn't coming from the leaders, but from the people. Despite the danger, brave people in places like Iran and Afghanistan continue to stand up and demand a world where they aren't afraid of their own governments.
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