In the bustling and culturally diverse region of Southeast Asia, the issue of restricted civil liberties – notably the freedom of expression and freedom of the press – stands as a stark challenge to the inherent dignity of the human person. As an Anglican priest deeply committed to Radical Orthodox Theology, Liberation Theology, and the concept of Imago Dei, I perceive these restrictions not merely as political or social issues but as profound spiritual crises that call for a theologically informed response.

In Southeast Asia, a region marked by its rich cultural tapestry and evolving political landscapes, the scourge of human rights violations persists, casting a long shadow over its progress and prosperity. Among these, arbitrary arrests and detentions stand out as a particularly egregious affront to human dignity and freedom. This article explores these violations through the lenses of Radical Orthodox Theology, Liberation Theology, and the concept of Imago Dei – the belief that all humans are created in the image of God.