US court halts efforts by Trump administration to shut down Voice of America.


Journalists from Voice of America have filed a lawsuit against the White House for violating their rights. A federal judge has issued a temporary ruling in their favor.
Judge J. Paul Oetken from the U.S. District Court in Manhattan ruled to temporarily block attempts by the Donald Trump administration to eliminate the international broadcaster Voice of America, which is funded by the government.
The hearing took place in response to a lawsuit from the journalists of the outlet and their unions. The document states that the actions of the Trump administration, particularly sending hundreds of employees on paid leave, violate their rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The issued injunction will remain in effect for 21 days. Additionally, the court will consider a separate lawsuit filed by the director of Voice of America, Michael Abramowitz.
Class action lawsuit against media closure
Journalists from Voice of America have filed a class-action lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration and the special advisor of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), Keri Lake, due to the decision to close the media outlet funded by taxpayers.
A copy of the lawsuit was published by New York Times journalist David Enrich. According to the plaintiffs, the actions of the new administration and USAGM are arbitrary, violate U.S. laws, and their right to journalistic freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Voice of America is a government-funded media organization that, according to its charter, is guaranteed editorial independence. It is a journalistic voice that delivers news, information, and a diversity of opinions and viewpoints to millions of people worldwide. A few days ago, the new administration silenced this voice with a single signature. Almost all staff were ordered not to report to work, and the agency's doors were locked. This was done due to the belief that Voice of America produces content incompatible with the administration's political agenda,' the document states.
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