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Three imprisoned Iranian journalists bag press freedom prize

By Sunday Aikulola
04 May 2023   |   3:59 am
Following the recommendation of an international jury of media professionals, Niloofar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi and Narges Mohammadi were named as the laureates of the 2023 UNESCO/ Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.

Following the recommendation of an international jury of media professionals, Niloofar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi and Narges Mohammadi were named as the laureates of the 2023 UNESCO/ Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.

Hamedi writes for the leading reformist daily newspaper Shargh. She broke the news of the death of Masha Amini following her detention in police custody on September 16, 2022. She has been detained in solitary confinement in Iran’s Evin Prison since September 2022.

Mohammadi, on her part, writes for the reformist newspaper, Ham-Mihan, covering social issues and gender equality.

She reported on Masha Amini’s funeral, and has also been detained in Evin Prison since September 2022. She had previously been barred from reporting for a year in 2020 due to her work.

Narges, who has worked for many years as a journalist for a range of newspapers, author and Vice-Director of the Tehran-based civil society organisation, Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC). She is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence in Evin Prison. She has continued to report in print from prison, and has also interviewed other women prisoners. These interviews were included in her book White Torture. In 2022, she won the Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) Courage Prize.

The Award Ceremony took place on Monday in New York city, marking the conclusion of the 30th anniversary event of World Press Freedom Day in the UN Headquarters.

According to Director-General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Audrey Azoulay, “now more than ever, it is important to pay tribute to all women journalists who are prevented from doing their jobs and who face threats and attacks on their personal safety. Today we are honouring their commitment to truth and accountability.”

Following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference, World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993,
Since then, May 3, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

After 30 years, the historic connection made between the freedom to seek, impart and receive information and the public good remains as relevant as it was at the time of its signing.

Special commemorations of the 30th anniversary are planned to take place during World Press Freedom Day International Conference.

May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. It is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; assess the state of press freedom throughout the world; defend the media from attacks on their independence and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

informed, entertained, and connected,” she said.

Two movies titled ‘Leaked’ and ‘Revisit’, by the MTF West Africa Academy alumni, were also nominated in the MTF awards category.

Reacting to the nomination, MTF Academy West Africa Director, Atinuke Babatunde, said: “We are proud to see our people making waves at the AMVCAs. It’s more proof of how their work contributes to the creative space and also helps to grow the economy of their countries.”

Now in its fourth year, MTF has honed the skills of more than 120 emerging TV and Film production professionals in 13 countries across Africa. The initiative has created an MTF Alumni Network of skilled graduates that now occupy significant roles across the industry.

“The stories in ‘Finding Tech’ showcase how individuals, who have accessed scholarships to build tech skills through Ingressive for Good, are leveraging their skills to make a real difference in their communities through the power of technology.”

The premiere screening will feature a panel discussion with the film’s director and several individuals featured in the film. The panel will discuss the impact of technology on society and how individuals can leverage technology to drive positive change.

“We are excited to showcase the power of technology and its role in creating a better future for all,” said Joseph Kruzich, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos. “We are really inspired by the work Ingressive for Good is doing in the country and the continent at large. Watching this film was inspiring, and we hope it will inspire the next generation of tech innovators and problem solvers.”

Since 2020, Ingressive for Good has been on a mission to increase the earning power of African youth by empowering them with tech skills, resources, and opportunities. The ed-tech has trained over 132,000 African youths in tech and placed thousands in jobs. The documentary shines a light on some of their programme beneficiaries and their journey so far.

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