Late Independent Arabic Correspondent Maryam Abu Daqa Wins Global Press Freedom Hero Award

SadaNews - The International Press Institute and the International Media Support organization announced in a statement today, Thursday, the awarding of the "Global Press Freedom Hero" Award to the late Maryam Abu Daqa, the correspondent for "Independent Arabic" in Gaza, in recognition of her bravery and resilience in defending media freedom, following her death from an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza last August.

The Palestinian Abu Daqa was selected to receive the annual award alongside six journalists from Georgia, the United States, Peru, Hong Kong, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, who continued their reporting despite imprisonment, repression, and attempts to silence them, according to the statement.

The award’s statement mourned the photographer Maryam Abu Daqa, noting that she "risked her life repeatedly to document the ongoing atrocities in Gaza," adding that her murder, for which no one has been held accountable, embodies the increasingly dangerous conditions faced by journalists in Gaza who confront targeted attacks, displacement, and starvation.

Member of the Board for "Independent Arabic" and editor-in-chief, Adwan Al-Ahmari, expressed gratitude for the International Press Institute's allocation of the award to the late Maryam Abu Daqa, stating: "Our late colleague was known for her courage, dedication, and commitment to her journalistic mission, and she conveyed a truthful image of the suffering and humanitarian conditions of civilians in one of the most difficult and dangerous environments."

He emphasized that Maryam Abu Daqa "was an example of a free journalist who regarded truth as a trust and mission, and she paid the price of her life for this noble profession." He added that her message "will remain alive in our work, and we will continue to convey the truth and defend press freedom no matter the challenges."

For her part, the executive editor of the "Associated Press" agency, Julie Pace, said: "Maryam produced impactful images and videos that documented the lives of Palestinians facing unprecedented challenges, including displaced families and doctors treating injured children suffering from malnutrition. We still feel profound sorrow for her loss, and we continue our efforts to obtain answers to ensure the protection of journalists covering this war."

In addition to Maryam Abu Daqa, the list included Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchina, who was arrested by Russian authorities and died during detention on September 19, 2024. Both organizations managing the award emphasized the necessity of enhancing protections for journalists working in conflict zones.

The list of laureates for the 2025 award includes Mzia Amaglobli from Georgia, Martin Baron from the United States, Gustavo Gorriti from Peru, Jimmy Lai from Hong Kong, and Tsvetana Vledis from Ethiopia.

The "Global Press Freedom Hero" Award is awarded annually by the International Press Institute in partnership with the International Media Support organization, honoring journalists who have shown a steadfast commitment to press freedom.

The award ceremony will take place on October 24 during the global conference of the International Press Institute and the media innovation festival at the University of Vienna.

Scott Griffin, the executive director of the institute, said: "As we celebrate 75 years of the institute’s establishment, we honor seven journalists who made enormous sacrifices in defense of press freedom, some of whom paid the ultimate price. These heroes represent the true picture of the challenges facing media today amid rising authoritarianism. Through their stories, we can chart a course for a future that protects free journalism for generations to come."

Since its launch in 2015, the International Press Institute has awarded the "Global Press Freedom Hero" Award to more than 75 journalists worldwide, in partnership with the International Media Support organization, and last year it was dedicated to honoring Palestinian journalists covering the war in Gaza.