The federal court in the United States of America has made a decision contesting the attempt to drastically reduce the work of the international broadcaster Voice of America, finding it illegal and ordering the return of more than a thousand employees to work.
Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled that the near-total shutdown of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the umbrella institution that operates Voice of America and funds outlets like Radio Free Europe, was in violation of federal law. He ordered that 1,042 employees, who have been on paid administrative leave for almost a year, return to work no later than March 23, and that international broadcasting, which has been almost completely suspended in the meantime, be resumed.
During that period, the employees’ work credentials were taken away, and their work equipment was removed and wiped clean of data. The court’s decision practically marks the end of that prolonged work stoppage.
Judge Lamberth sharply criticized the actions of the administration of President Donald Trump, stating that it was a “flagrant and almost year-long disregard of legal obligations to Congress.” He specifically referred to the role of Kari Lake, who oversaw the agency’s shutdown process, accusing her of withholding key information and acting in bad faith.
The ruling comes as part of two related lawsuits — one filed by Voice of America CEO Michael Abramowitz, while the other was brought by the employees themselves against the government. Abramowitz said after the decision that he was “delighted,” stressing that VOA has never been needed more and praised the dedication of employees throughout the process.
With this ruling, the memorandum which last year provided for the retention of only 68 jobs in the USAGM was annulled, while all other positions were abolished. The administration is expected to appeal the decision.
(TYPE/Source: federalna.ba/Author: Ivica Puljić)
