Author; former CEO

Abdülhamit Bilici is a former Turkish newspaper executive and the former editor-in-chief of the newspaper Zaman. He was also the Chief Executive Officer of its English-language version, Today's Zaman, before the recent government takeover. As reported by Vice News, in March 2015, Bilici was removed as editor-in-chief and replaced by state trustees at the request of Istanbul's Chief Public Prosecutor's office. He was general director of Cihan News Agency and editor of Aksiyon Weekly Magazine. Writing mainly on the topic of the foreign policy of Turkey and world politics, Bilici frequently shares his views at various local and international television programs. Bilici is the author of the book “Why Turkey?” which combines different perspectives on Turkey-EU relations from both sides of the globe. Bilici is a member of the Turkish Journalists Association (TGC), Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) and World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

Founder, publisher, editor and owner

Tim is the editor and publisher of the Sacramento Valley Mirror, a semiweekly newspaper in Willows, California. Crews has written numerous exposes focusing on politicians, law enforcement officials, educators and developers. Crews and a colleague have received numerous death threats for their reporting.

Advocacy and Communications Director, North America

At RSF Margaux is in charge of developing and promoting advocacy strategies and campaigns for RSF's North America Bureau, drafting various communication materials, developing media outreach strategies, and monitoring press freedom violations in the US, Canada, and the English-speaking Caribbean. In her capacity as RSF's spokesperson on US press freedom issues, Margaux has appeared on outlets such as CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC, The Daily Show, etc.

(R-Neb) 1st Congressional District

Jeff Fortenberry represents Nebraska’s First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for the expenditures of the United States government. He serves on three subcommittees with importance for our national and economic security: Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and State and Foreign Operations. In Congress, Jeff serves as co-chair of the Nuclear Security Working Group, co-chair of the Caucus on Religious Minorities in the Middle East, and co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on Europe.

Prior to serving in Congress, Jeff worked as a publishing industry executive in Lincoln, where he also served on the Lincoln City Council from 1997-2001. Jeff also has significant personal experience in small business, public policy analysis, and economic development. Jeff earned a bachelor's degree in economics and two master's degrees, one in public policy. He and his wife Celeste live in Lincoln and have five daughters. His work in Congress is rooted in the belief that the strength of our nation depends on the strength of our families and communities.

Journalist

Simegnish “Lily” Mengesha is an Ethiopian journalist who is seeking asylum in the U.S as a result of threats over her reporting, particularly on reports on harassment and government action against journalists in her own nation.