Palestinian photojournalist and wrongly convicted Kyrgyz journalist receive Free Press Awards

Every year, Free Press Unlimited honours two outstanding and brave journalists with the Newcomer of the Year Award and the Most Resilient Journalist Award. The 2024 winners of each award were announced during our Free Press Live event today, which focused on media in conflict situations.
 

Most Resilient Journalist Award

The Most Resilient Journalist Award of 2024 goes to Mohammed Zaanoun. He has documented life and death in Gaza for over 20 years. Mohammed’s own house in Gaza city was targeted by Israeli airstrikes, and he had to pull out his children from beneath the rubble of what used to be his home. He also received direct threats from Israeli forces ordering him to stop reporting. But despite the risks, the threats, the displacement and the horrors around him, Mohammed continued doing his job to tell the world the truth. Since a few months he has been residing in Egypt, but still continues to use his work and his own social media to continuously and tirelessly inform the world. His images say more than a thousand words.

His nomination said: ‘As a journalist who worked with Mohammed and witnessed firsthand his incredible steadfastness and commitment to documenting the truth even in the face of unimaginable loss, danger, and devastation, I believe he deserves this award.’

The jury wholeheartedly agreed, stating: “The crisis in Gaza is unprecedented in many ways, including its impact on the media. Never before have so many journalists been killed: 128 in one year. The amount of courage it takes to then still put on a vest and helmet with ‘Press’ written on it, which in these times no longer guarantees protection, but even makes you a target, is immense. Mohammed has been reporting within the danger of bombings on Gaza for months on end after the war started 7 October, with great risk to his own life. This is both truly commendable, and of crucial importance. His photographs have immortalised the violence and injustice inflicted on the Palestinian people, and serve as evidence for investigations into war crimes committed by Israel." 

The jury hopes that the cash prize of 10.000 euros that comes with the Award will serve as a support to his great work, and give him strength to continue. As his audience, we are thankful for his resilience.

In a video message Mohammed Zaanoun sent to Free Press Unlimited, he says: "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks, boundless gratitude, and profound love to each and every one of you. This award is not just recognition; it is a powerful beacon for the freedom of the press and media worldwide. It embodies our relentless pursuit of truth and justice in the face of adversity. Together, we will continue to fight for what is right and ensure that every voice is heard. Thank you for standing with me in this crucial battle!" 
 

Watch the video:

Newcomer of the Year Award

The Newcomer of the Year Award, presented to young journalists who show great determination, talent and commitment, was given to Aike Beyshekeeva, a journalist from Kyrgyzstan where press freedom is strongly deteriorating. 

Aike works for the investigative YouTube Channel Temirov Live, one of the most important, and most prosecuted, media of the country. She has published several high-profile investigations into the corruption of the Kyrgyz presidential family. Her investigation into the financing of the President's Wife's Fund by the Chinese Embassy caused a particularly strong resonance. Because of it, she was jailed on January 16, 2024 on a baseless charge together with 10 other current or former employees of Temirov Live. 268 days later, on 10 October 2024, she was convicted of ‘inciting mass unrest’ with a suspended three-year prison sentence.

The jury stated: “Aike Beyshekeeva, as young as she is, has already shown how journalism is a calling, and has experienced that bringing abuse of power to light comes with a risk. Nevertheless she persevered, and even during her imprisonment has continued to stand by the importance of independent journalism and press freedom. We hope this award gives her the encouragement to continue this admirable path to bring reliable information to the Kyrgyz people.“ 

In response to her win, Aike wrote a letter when she was still in prison, which was read out loud during the award ceremony.

“As scary as it may sound and look, prison is just a temporary way to physically stop us. But words are not physical. They can outlive any censorship or metallic bars with ease.”

Free Press Live

The theme of Free Press Live 2024 was Media: a lifeline in times of conflict. Support for journalists amidst conflict is vital, as access to reliable information forms a lifeline for millions. It can save lives.

During the event, journalists from several conflict zones spoke about the impact on and role of media during conflict. We heard from Rashid Saeed, who works for the Sudanese news platform Dabanga, and Natalya Gumenyuk, a Ukrainian journalist and author specialised in conflict reporting. Representatives from Free Press Unlimited gave an overview of the situation in crisis countries Nicaragua, Venezuela, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
 

Gaza and Lebanon

The last panel specifically addressed the current situation in Gaza and Lebanon. Present in the room was Muamar Orabi, Director of Wattan Media Network, operating from Ramallah, Palestine. Through a video call we connected with Ayman Mhanna, Executive Director of the Beirut-based Samir Kassir Foundation, the leading freedom of expression NGO in the Levant region.

After the event finished, visitors were able to support the media lifeline, to contribute to maintaining access to reliable information in conflict zones.
 

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