CFF UFM HRF | Financial Freedom Against Tyranny · Anna Chekhovich

Claudia Sánchez  | 07 de marzo de 2025  | Vistas: 8

The College Freedom Forum is an initiative of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), an organization that promotes the defense of human rights around the world. In the eighth edition of the event held at the Universidad Francisco Marroquin, activists from different countries present their experiences in the pursuit of freedom and the fight against human rights violations.

Anna Chekhovich, a Russian activist and financial manager for the Anti-Corruption Foundation, explained how Bitcoin has become a crucial tool for activists living under oppressive regimes. As a non-profit Bitcoin adoption lead at the Human Rights Foundation, she aims to empower activists globally by teaching them how to use Bitcoin to circumvent financial surveillance.

Financial freedom is not a privilege. It's a necessity for those fighting against tyranny."

Anna's work began at Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, where she managed the organization’s finances while facing constant threats from the Russian government. In 2019, the Russian government froze the foundation’s bank account, nearly draining it of almost $14 billion. Faced with this challenge, the foundation turned to Bitcoin as a way to continue their operations. Bitcoin allowed them to operate within a system where the government could not easily intervene, ensuring they could continue supporting political prisoners and activists despite constant government interference.

For our organization, Bitcoin remains a lifeline and a crucial tool in our daily financial operations."

Anna highlighted how Bitcoin has helped the foundation and other activists navigate the complexities of financial repression in countries like Russia, Belarus, Venezuela, and beyond. With over 72% of the global population living under authoritarian regimes, many activists face severe restrictions on their ability to receive financial support. Anna explained that traditional banking systems are often controlled by oppressive governments, and financial transactions are monitored and blocked. Bitcoin, however, provides an alternative, enabling activists to receive donations and support their movements without fear of government interference.

In addition to her advocacy for Bitcoin, Anna leads the Human Rights Foundation's financial freedom program. Through this program, she educates activists and non-profit organizations on how to safely use Bitcoin for their operations. Her webinars, attended by over 300 students from more than 50 countries, are part of a growing global effort to provide financial autonomy for those resisting authoritarian rule.

Having access to money is a human right that I'm fighting for.”

Explore more content on global human rights struggles and activism from the College Freedom Forum 2024.