Thursday 3/27 - Legal Update

A legal update from General Counsel Anne Noble:

We secured earlier this week exactly the right counsel we need to represent MBN. Our goal is to access the funding Congress has approved for MBN, but that USAGM no longer wishes to make available to us. 

USAGM is in conflict with Congressional intent and has unlawfully terminated our grant agreement.

We are working with superb attorneys to prepare our case. We’re privileged. The firm representing MBN is helping us pro bono — and happens to be one of the top litigation firms in the United States.

We’re fortunate in other ways. As you may have seen, RFE/RL received a favorable ruling earlier this week. Our attorneys are able to benefit from the RFE/RL experience.  It’s also good news that our case, when filed, will almost certainly be assigned to the judge assigned to RFE’s case, and that a hearing would likely be held early next week.

I will be happy in due course to answer questions about the lawsuit. Right now, I am working with counsel to finalize all preparations. In the meantime, if you have any general questions about the lawsuit, please reach out to Deirdre Kline.

When the suit is filed, we will provide a copy for you to read. We will also provide information about where you can find documents for the case. Legal filings are public records. 

We will keep you updated as well on scheduled hearings (as well as a phone number you can use if you would like to listen). 

We continue to work with the Congress and engage media. We’re fighting for MBN on all fronts.