“We may not be there next week”

What has happened since the announcement of the abolition of funding?

Ginny Stein: We received an email on March 22, announcing the end of the funding, acted by decree. In the process, hundreds of layoffs have been pronounced. Today we are working with a reduced team. I’m still in writing, in Washington this week. Maybe the next one. This is the case for all my colleagues. We are trying to hold on a long way to take legal action.

Are your field employees in danger?

Some were already. Four of our correspondents in Vietnam are currently imprisoned for having worked with us. In Burma, one of them was sentenced to life imprisonment, just for having had a drone.

Many had to abandon their post. Finding another job is almost impossible: they cannot reveal that they were collaborating with Radio Free Asia, that would endanger them. Result, most cannot even justify a past activity.

Why is this non-censored information essential for local populations?

Take Burma: it is a country at war against itself, with fights on at least six fronts, in addition to natural disasters. Residents count a lot on Radio Free Asia to remain informed.

When Cyclone Mocha, in May 2023, ravaged the country, many Rohingyas – this persecuted Muslim minority – remained trapped in refugee camps. They had received no official warnings. Except those who followed our news. According to information collected by our reporters from local organizations, around 400 people lost their lives.

People trust us. They know that we are independent, that we tell the truth. We broadcast on all platforms: Internet, radio, social networks. Our content in Burma on Facebook and YouTube are consulted every day by millions of people, 90 % of whom live in Burma. The same goes for Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

What will happen if Radio Free Asia should definitely close?

I fear that this void will not be filled by disinformation and official speeches. Diets like that of China know how to take advantage of it very well. In the past, Beijing has already managed to broadcast its own content in the state radios for several countries for free. It was these voices that would impose themselves if ours were disappearing.

As australian, are you afraid of being sent back to your country?

It is possible. If the United States puts an end to my contract, I will have to leave the country. But it will be safe. So if someone has to go, it will be me.

The worst concerns my colleagues. Some have fled their country and obtained political asylum in the United States, thinking of being safe. Today, if they are expelled, they risk prison. Or worse still.

What do American citizens say?

Those who are aware of the situation are horrified. But for the others, this is yet another measure taken, yet another budget cut … I do not have the impression that the Americans realize what would mean the closure of these media which give America a voice worldwide.