Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty said it began furloughing staff at its Prague headquarters on Tuesday.
“The United States Agency for Global Media has not sent RFE/RL its congressionally appropriated funds for April,” the organization said in a press release.
“Although USAGM rescinded its letter terminating RFE/RL’s grant agreement on March 26, RFE/RL has not received any of its congressionally appropriated funds since that date – and USAGM has not approved RFE/RL’s financial plan for April, despite having received it nearly two weeks ago and despite having promptly approved previous financial plans for this fiscal year.”
[Related: “Judge’s Ruling Pauses Defunding of RFE/RL”]
RFE/RL said that on Monday it filed a new request in federal district court asking the judge to grant a temporary restraining order, so that RFE/RL can spend appropriated funds in April, and a preliminary injunction to ensure that USAGM sends RFE/RL its appropriated funds for the remainder of the fiscal year.
President and CEO Stephen Capus said in the announcement, “RFE/RL will stay in court until we have adequate assurance that USAGM will follow the law and send us the funds that Congress appropriated to us.”
Radio World has repeatedly requested comment from USAGM public affairs for our coverage and will report any reply.
