Farid Mehralizada has been named among the winners of the 2025 John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award from the National Press Club of the United States.

This award will be presented to nine journalists who worked with the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and are currently imprisoned in various countries.

The National Press Club’s Board of Directors stated that the award aims to recognize the dedication of journalists around the world who fight for press freedom but lose their freedom along the way.

“Their imprisonment should outrage anyone who believes in America’s commitment to liberty,” said club president Mike Balsamo.

“The United States cannot walk away from these journalists or the ideals they represent,” Balsamo said. “We urge the White House, Congress, and the State Department to re-engage, to press for their release and to ensure that future U.S.-supported media operations have clear mechanisms for protecting journalists who risk their lives in America’s name.”

The John Aubuchon Award, established to defend press freedom, will be presented in Washington on December 9, 2025.