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.
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
Journalists in Trouble: Lawmakers Call on Vance to Advocate for Imprisoned RFE/RL Journalist
U.S. lawmakers urge VP Vance to raise case of unjustly imprisoned RFE/RL journalist with Azerbaijani authorities; former RFE/RL journalist marks 500 days wrongfully detained in Iran; and more.
Radio Farda Returns to Shortwave, Bypassing Iran’s Digital Blackout
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has today resumed shortwave radio broadcasts into Iran following the imposition of an internet blackout by the Islamic Republic.
Journalists in Trouble: A Message from Recently Freed RFE/RL Journalists
In 2025, RFE/RL journalists Andrei Kuznechyk, Ihar Karnei, Ihar Losik, and Vladyslav Yesypenko were released from unjust detention, thanks to diplomatic efforts by the United States and its partners, and…
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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.