Risch Meets with Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty President and CEO Jamie Fly
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) President and CEO Jamie Fly yesterday to discuss RFE/RL’s efforts to provide honest and accurate local news in places where the free press is under attack and journalism can be dangerous for those who seek to hold their governments accountable.
“Organizations such as Radio Free Europe are on the frontlines, standing up for freedom of the press across Europe and Central Asia,” said Risch. “Mr. Fly and RFE/RL have a critical role in fighting disinformation campaigns such as those run by the Kremlin and the mullahs in Tehran. I fully support Mr. Fly’s leadership and steadfast commitment to providing honest and accurate reporting.”
“Recently, I, along with Ranking Member Menendez and Senators Rubio and Casey, sent a letter to President Rahmon of Tajikistan in support of RFE/RL reporting within the country and urged his government to accredit RFE/RL’s reporters—per Tajik law,” he continued. “Thanks to the perseverance of RFE/RL’s reporters, I am happy to say that seven of the journalists have been given their credentials. However, the Tajik Foreign Ministry failed to fully grant 11 other accreditation requests by the October 31st deadline. This is unacceptable, and I will continue to press the Tajik government on media freedom in Tajikistan.”
###
