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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.

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. 

Vladyslav Yesypenko with his young daughter, who kisses his cheek.

Vladyslav
Yesypenko

Vladyslav Yesypenko, a journalist for RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, was detained in Russia-occupied Crimea on March 10, 2021.

A headshot of Ihar Lois

Ihar
Losik

Ihar Losik, a journalist for RFE/RL’s Belarus Service, was detained in Minsk, Belarus, on June 25, 2020.

Andrey Kuznechyk Headshot

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.

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: RFE/RL’s Farid Mehralizada Marks Five Months in Detention in Azerbaijan 

RFE/RL’s Farid Mehralizada marks five months in detention in Azerbaijan; Alsu Kurmasheva receives the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) International Press Freedom Award; Vladyslav Yesypenko’s wife advocates for him in…

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.

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. 

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