Azerbaijani journalist-political prisoner awarded press freedom prize

Imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Farid Mehralizade has been awarded the 2025 John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award, presented by the National Press Club. Congressman James McGovern called for Mehralizade's release and the dismissal of charges against his wife.

Farid Mehralizade is one of nine journalists associated with the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) who remain imprisoned after its dissolution in early 2025 to receive this award.

A statement from the National Press Club emphasized that the award is intended to recognize the courage of journalists working in dangerous regions and to draw attention to the U.S. government's failure to protect media representatives imprisoned for advancing free speech.

The Aubuchon Prize is the National Press Club's highest award for press freedom and is presented to journalists who risk their lives and freedom for the truth. Among the laureates, in addition to Mehralizade, are journalists from Myanmar and Vietnam, as well as Russian journalist Nika Novak, who was convicted of collaborating with a foreign organization.

National Press Club President Mike Balsamo stated that the imprisonment of these journalists should outrage everyone who believes in America's commitment to freedom, and that their imprisonment abroad is a stain on the country's reputation.

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