Winston Supports Afghan Journalist Who Fled the Taliban

In August, as Kabul fell to the Taliban with breathtaking speed, Fatema Hosseini knew that her work as a journalist—investigating corruption, giving voice to women, and criticizing the Taliban—put her life peril. Fortunately, Fatema had freelanced for USA Today and her colleagues there reached out to her and feverishly worked their contacts to get Fatema safely out of Afghanistan.

Fatema arrived in Washington, D.C. on the 20^th anniversary of 9/11 and was greeted by USA Today Editor-in-Chief Nicole Carroll. Fatema arrived in the U.S. on a 90-day visa the USA Today team had secured for her, so Nicole quickly reached out to her neighbor, Washington, D.C. partner Chris Man for help in securing permanent asylum for Fatema in the U.S.

Today, less than three months after the fall of Kabul, Fatema has been accepted to the University of Maryland’s journalism program and a Winston team that includes Chris Man, Jennie Porter, Lily Klein-Evans, and Nareeneh Sohbatian is helping her file for asylum.

Recently, Fatema and Nicole shared Fatema’s story with Winston attorneys and staff during a riveting presentation sponsored by the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Winston’s Women’s Leadership Initiative.

Help Fatema pay for her education, housing and living expenses by donating to her Go Fund Me site here.

You can help protect and defend journalists around the world here.

Read an in-depth USA Today story about Fatema’s escape to safety here.