Ulviyya Ali’s Imprisonment Raises Questions of U.S. Commitment to Press Freedom

Ulviyya Ali courageously reported on human rights abuses in Azerbaijan for Voice of America over several years. Her reporting put her in the crosshairs of her government, leading to her current imprisonment. The U.S. government has the potential to help secure her release, but its willingness remains uncertain.

Voice of America was established with a mission to deliver truthful reporting. Ulviyya embraced this mission, accepting the personal risks involved. In a country known for its limited press freedom, she shed light on severe human rights violations, standing as one of the few remaining independent journalists there.

Ulviyya believed that she wasn’t alone in her pursuit of truth, trusting Voice of America supported free press principles. She expected the U.S. to uphold these values, but current silence suggests otherwise. Following an executive order in March 2025 under President Trump to close Voice of America, the government has remained quiet as Ulviyya faces harsh conditions in prison, including beatings and threats of rape.

Ulviyya has spent over a year imprisoned on unfounded charges like currency smuggling and money laundering. Her potential sentence could reach 20 years. Despite these circumstances, the U.S. government has been inactive, with no statements issued or efforts initiated by the U.S. Agency for Global Media to secure her freedom.

Historically, the U.S. and Voice of America stood by their journalists during threats. In 2009, they helped release reporter Mohammed Yasin Isahaq from a Somali prison. In 2022, they condemned the brief detention of Godwin Mangudya in Zimbabwe and worked for Diing Magot’s release in South Sudan. They have even supported journalists in Azerbaijan before, as seen with Khadija Ismayilova’s case, where government pressure led to her 2016 release after almost two years of imprisonment.

Continued silence over Ulviyya’s situation would have broader consequences, questioning America’s global credibility and its commitment to those risking their lives to report the truth. Ulviyya’s fiancé, Ramin Guluzada, refuses to remain silent, seeking support from U.S. senators, colleagues, friends, and NGOs. While Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeanne Shaheen have voiced support, more significant action is necessary from the U.S. government.

The U.S. State Department should make Ulviyya’s case a priority in public statements and during diplomatic interactions with Azerbaijan. Congress should consider enacting sanctions against officials accountable for her detention. The U.S. Agency for Global Media needs to advocate for her release with urgency comparable to past incidents involving its journalists.

Ramin recalls Ulviyya’s warning about the challenges of loving a journalist in Azerbaijan and the possibility of imprisonment. Despite this, he fell in love with her optimism, courage, and unwavering belief that journalism can reveal injustices. She continues her work from prison, documenting her conditions and interviewing fellow inmates. Her determination is a testament to her principles, but Ramin desires her home. After only two weeks together as an engaged couple and over a year apart, he hopes to say “I love you” outside of court or prison. He appeals to America for assistance in bringing her back.

Ulviyya Ali has been detained in Azerbaijan since May 6, 2025. Press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, demand her immediate release.