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 75 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.
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.
Nika
Novak
Nika Novak is a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)’s Russian Service, known as Radio Svoboda, who has been unjustly detained in Russia since December 25, 2023.
Advocacy priorities
Latest Updates
In Legal Win, RFE/RL Receives April Funding; Lawsuit Continues for Remainder of FY 2025 Funds
Today, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) received its overdue congressionally appropriated funds for the month of April.
Appeals Panel Pauses Ruling to Release RFE/RL’s April Funds
By a 2-1 vote today, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued a stay pending appeal of the April 29 district court order…
US District Court Orders USAGM to Release RFE/RL Funding for April
Today, Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)’s latest request for a temporary restraining order in its lawsuit…
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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.