Political prisoners are individuals who are detained due to their political beliefs and activities. The term "political prisoner" can be replaced with synonyms that convey similar meanings. One possible synonym is "prisoner of conscience," which refers to someone who is jailed for their beliefs, values, or opinions. Another option is "dissident," which describes a person who speaks out against the government or the ruling regime. "Prisoner of war" can be used for individuals who are held captive due to their involvement in a conflict or war. Lastly, "detainee" is a more generic term that can be used to refer to anyone who is held in custody, including political prisoners.