Working to Free Imprisoned Journalists
RFE/RL advocates on behalf of its journalists who have been imprisoned because of their work. They must be released immediately to their families. Journalism is not a crime.
Advocacy
RFE/RL journalists and staff work in challenging media environments, often at great personal cost. We uphold the rights of persecuted journalists and advocate for press freedom.
Advocating for Press Freedom
Alongside providing accurate, uncensored news and open debate in countries where a free press is threatened, RFE/RL upholds the rights of persecuted journalists and advocates for press freedom.
Advocacy is essential to our work, and our priorities reflect our mission to promote human rights and democratic values. For more than 70 years, RFE/RL has defended its journalists against attempts to silence them. We continue to use advanced technological tools to circumvent censorship to ensure that our audiences can access trusted, independent reporting.
Across RFE/RL’s broadcast region, we are witnessing the rapid proliferation of new legal frameworks to censor free expression and criminalize independent journalism, including so-called foreign agent laws and disinformation bills. We are partnering with human rights defenders to push back against this dangerous trend and protect press freedom.
Support Independent Journalism
Join us in advocating for press freedom and supporting RFE/RL journalists who have been unjustly imprisoned.
Vladyslav
Yesypenko
Vladyslav Yesypenko, a journalist for RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, was detained in Russia-occupied Crimea on March 10, 2021.
Ihar
Losik
Ihar Losik, a journalist for RFE/RL’s Belarus Service, was detained in Minsk, Belarus, on June 25, 2020.
Andrey
Kuznechyk
Andrey Kuznechyk, a journalist for RFE/RL’s Belarus Service, was detained in Minsk, Belarus, on November 25, 2021.
Farid
Mehralizada
Farid Mehralizada is an economist and journalist for RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani Service who has been unjustly detained in Baku since May 30, 2024.
Advocacy priorities
Latest Updates
Journalists in Trouble: RFE/RL President Visits Ukraine, Advocates for RFE/RL Journalist
RFE/RL President visits Ukraine; EP resolution urges action on political prisoners; Alsu Kurmasheva advocates for her imprisoned colleagues; former RFE/RL journalist Viktoria Roshchyna dies in Russian detention; and more.
Journalists in Trouble: Alsu Kurmasheva Receives National Press Club President’s Award
Alsu Kurmasheva receives National Press Club President’s Award; Andrey Kuznechyk marks 1,000 days in prison; former RFE/RL correspondent dies in Turkmenistan; and more.
Journalists in Trouble: Alsu Kurmasheva Freed in Historic Prisoner Swap, Reunited with Family
Alsu Kurmasheva freed in historic prisoner swap; RFE/RL president testifies before Congress; Kazakhstan passes new media law; and more.
Subscribe to Journalists in Trouble for Updates
RFE/RL journalists and staff face intimidation, physical harm, and imprisonment because of their work. It is RFE/RL’s top priority to advocate for the release of our imprisoned journalists and ensure our staff can do their jobs safely.
Subscribe now to stay informed about incidents targeting RFE/RL journalists, developments affecting press freedom in our coverage region, and how you can help.