The Fight for Journalist Ulviyya Ali’s Freedom

Ulviyya Ali, a courageous journalist, has long reported on human rights abuses in Azerbaijan for Voice of America. Her work made her a target for the Azerbaijani government, leading to her current imprisonment. She is now silenced and cut off from the outside world. The United States has the influence to help free her if it chooses to act.

Voice of America has always had a mission of delivering truth, a mission Ulviyya deeply believes in despite the risks. Azerbaijan ranks as one of the most repressive regimes for press freedom. Ulviyya’s reporting played a crucial role as she became one of the country’s last independent journalists. She took these risks believing in the principles of freedom of the press.

However, after an executive order from President Trump in March 2025 to effectively close Voice of America, the U.S. government has remained silent regarding Ulviyya’s detention. She faces fabricated charges of smuggling and money laundering and risks a 20-year sentence. Despite her harrowing situation, including reported abuses by prison guards, the U.S. has not issued a statement to support her.

Historically, the U.S. government and Voice of America collaborated to protect journalists at risk. For instance, the U.S. intervened in the case of Mohammed Yasin Isahaq in Somalia and Godwin Mangudya in Zimbabwe. In Azerbaijan, they pressed for the release of journalist Khadija Ismayilova, resulting in her eventual release in 2016.

If the U.S. remains silent concerning Ulviyya Ali’s case, it risks undermining its credibility. It would suggest a lack of commitment to those who promote American values. Her fiancé, Ramin Guluzada, passionately advocates for her release, reaching out to various organizations and individuals. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeanne Shaheen have shown their support, but more action is necessary.

The U.S. government should publicly address Ulviyya’s case, considering sanctions against those responsible for her detention. The U.S. Agency for Global Media must advocate for her release with urgency. Ulviyya, despite imprisonment, continues to document her conditions and interview fellow inmates. Her spirit remains unbroken.

Ramin Guluzada longs for Ulviyya’s return. They spent only two weeks together as an engaged couple before her imprisonment. He holds onto the hope that the U.S. will help bring his fiancée, and their life together, back home.

Ulviyya Ali has been detained since May 6, 2025. Press freedom organizations, like the Committee to Protect Journalists, demand her immediate release.