VOA Layoffs and Journalist Imprisonment Spark Fear | JQJO

Mass layoffs at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, eliminating 85% of positions, including many foreign journalists, have sparked fear and concern. The Trump administration justified the cuts citing dysfunction and bias. Simultaneously, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporter Farid Mehralizada was sentenced to nine years in prison in Azerbaijan on charges deemed bogus. Foreign journalists employed by the agency now fear for their safety and livelihoods upon returning home, with several seeking asylum in the U.S. The actions raise questions about the U.S. government's commitment to supporting journalists working in repressive regimes.