The recent closure of the US Agency for International Development marks a significant blow to journalists and NGOs striving for democracy, environmental care, and equality in Iran. This shift, effective from February 3, curtails the essential support these organisations relied upon to promote human rights.
On March 14, President Trump further escalated tensions by signing an executive order to dismantle the US Agency for Global Media, which governs influential broadcasters like Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. For many Iranian journalists based overseas, these platforms have been crucial, with their broadcasts reaching back to their homeland under the banners of VOA Farsi and Radio Farda.
The Iranian regime perceives these broadcasters as adversarial tools, labelling their journalists as traitors who undermine state narratives. As Carlos Martinez de la Serna, director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, expresses, the attempt to diminish this agency is alarming, given its role in providing uncensored news in restrictive environments.
Martinez passionately calls for congressional leaders to safeguard this vital agency, emphasizing its significant impact in challenging the grip of authoritarian narratives worldwide. The situation remains critical for activists and journalists striving for freedom within the oppressive confines of the Iranian state.
The closure of the US Agency for International Development significantly impacts NGOs and journalists advocating for rights in Iran. President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the US Agency for Global Media threatens organisations like VOA and Radio Farda, perceived by the Iranian regime as hostile. Activists face increasing challenges, prompting calls for congressional protection of independent journalism.
The suspension of the US Agency for International Development and the push to dismantle crucial media oversight have dire repercussions for human rights efforts in Iran. Activists and journalists fighting for democracy face growing challenges, which underline the need for continued support and safeguarding of independent journalism to combat state-sponsored narratives. Carlos Martinez de la Serna’s urgent plea for congressional action highlights the fundamental role of these organisations in advocating for change and truth.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
