Journalists in Trouble is a monthly report of incidents targeting Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalists and their work, and developments affecting press freedom in our coverage region. Subscribe for exclusive updates.  

IRAN: Reza Valizadeh Still in Evin Prison as Conditions Deteriorate  

As the war in Iran continues, former RFE/RL journalist and U.S. citizen Reza Valizadeh remains wrongfully detained by the Iranian regime in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison. The prison is located in a neighborhood that has come under heavy bombardment, placing the detainees inside at an increased risk.  

 Reza has been detained for more than 500 days. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in December 2024.  

Reza’s case was recently featured on CBS’ Face the Nation  and in an interview with Daily Wire. You can keep up with Reza’s case by visiting this website or by following this X account.  

RUSSIA: Nika Novak Held in Special Detention 

RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak is currently being held in special detention as punishment for alleged violations of prison rules. Prisoners in special detention are subject to increased security and face restrictions on resources they have access to. Nika was placed in special detention multiple times last year. 

Alsu Kurmasheva, who spent over nine months in prison in Russia before being released in a prisoner exchange in 2024, spoke about Nika: 

“I know firsthand how extraordinarily difficult it is not only to endure captivity, but to continue resisting injustice and preserving one’s sense of freedom behind bars. The free world must never look away.” 

TAKE ACTION: Nika is able to receive letters. If you would like to write to her, follow this link.  

Even in exile, RFE/RL journalists remain under threat as Russian authorities continue to weaponize the legal system to exert pressure on their work. Most recently, Sergei Medvedev, a long-time contributor to RFE/RL’s Russian Service and prominent Russian historian, was sentenced in absentia to 11.5 years of imprisonment for breaking Russia’s foreign agent laws.  

AZERBAIJAN: Farid Mehralizada Appeals Nine-Year Sentence 

On March 6, imprisoned RFE/RL Azerbaijani Service journalist Farid Mehralizada appeared before Azerbaijan’s Court of Cassation to begin the process of appealing his unjust nine-year sentence. During the hearing, Farid and his lawyers reiterated that he is being wrongfully punished for his work as a journalist and economist. In a statement to the court, Farid said: “I don’t even know what to defend myself against. Because these accusations have nothing to do with me.” No date has yet been set for the decision on Farid’s appeal. 

TAKE ACTION: This remains a pivotal time in Farid’s case.  RFE/RL encourages social media posts raising his case. 

Former VOA correspondent  Ulviyya Ali also remains unjustly imprisoned by Azerbaijani authorities. She continues to await sentencing and faces up to 12 years in prison over false charges. 

In Case You Missed It: 

• RFE/RL’s Alsu Kurmasheva and Pavel Butorin have been awarded the 2026 James Foley World Press Freedom Award as they “continue to shine a light on the plight of Americans—including journalists—who are wrongfully detained by foreign governments—and advocate for the release of journalists imprisoned by repressive regimes.”  

My name is Nathan Shoemaker, Advocacy Officer here at RFE/RL and the author of Journalists in Trouble. Thank you for reading and subscribing to our newsletter and for standing with persecuted journalists.     

If you are interested in amplifying the stories of our imprisoned journalists, you can reach us by emailing advocacy@rferl.org.