Since its creation in 1992, the Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Awards honour particularly courageous and independent journalists whose work has had a great impact.

Two weeks before the ceremony to be organized in Berlin on September 12 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the German section of the organization, RSF reveals the list of nominees. Journalists and media outlets from 12 countries have been shortlisted for three international awards.

“Many of the nominees face constant threats or have been imprisoned several times for their work – yet these journalists refused to be silenced and continue to raise their voices against the abuse of power, corruption and other crimes. Rather than dishearten us, the difficult situations these journalists face inspire us with the will to achieve change. Courage in the pursuit of journalistic ideals is a formidable motivating force for all those who want to address humankind’s most important challenges.” says Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of the international organization of Reporters Without Borders.

Among them are a Russian investigative journalist who has already been attacked several times, a Vietnamese journalist who has been beaten and imprisoned for her work, and Pakistan’s oldest daily newspaper, which is repeatedly harassed by officials.

AWARD FOR COURAGE, INDEPENDENCE AND IMPACT

For the Prize for Courage, the nominees are:

Igor Rudnikovfrom Russia – The founder of the newspaper Novye Kolesahas been the target of several attacks because of his research on corruption and the misuse of public funds. He was also jailed during almost two years for his work.

Eman Al-Nafjanfrom Saudi Arabia – The blogger and journalist has campaigned massively for women to be allowed to drive cars and get more rights. Arrested along with other women’s rights activists, she was freed conditionally. Considered as a “traitor”, she could be jailed for up to 20 years.

Paolo Borrometifrom Italy – Because of his intrepid reporting about the Mafia he is regularly threatened with death and lives under constant police protection.

Lola Aronovichfrom Brazil – The blogger has become known throughout the country for her feminist texts and her commitment to women’s rights. Under the “Lola Law”, in homage to her fight against online violence, the federal police can take over any investigation into online crime of a misogynistic nature. Nonetheless, she is attacked repeatedly and massively and has received hundreds of death threats online.

For the Prize for Impact, the nominees are:

Bihus.infofrom Ukraine – The reporter collective founded by Denys Bihushas repeatedly published cases of corruption and abuse of power by high-ranking politicians of whom several were prosecuted and had to resign.

Pham Doan Trangfrom Vietnam – The founder of the online magazine Luat Khoa lives in one of the most repressive states in the world. With her articles, she helps her fellow citizens to defend their civil rights. She is also a strong advocate for LGBT rights. Because of her work, she was beaten and arbitrarily imprisoned several times.

Sudanese Journalists Networkfrom Sudan – The network publishes reports about violations of press freedom on Twitter, and speaks up for imprisoned journalists.

Lu Guang from China– The well-known photojournalist documents social and environmental problems issues resulting from rapid industrial development. He is based in New York since 2005. However, during a visit to China he was arrested on 3 November 2018. His family and colleagues have not heard from him ever since.

For the Prize for Independence, the nominees are:

Caroline Muscatfrom Malta – After the murder of her colleague Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017, she founded the independent investigative website The Shift News, which also researches corruption. Despite massive pressure, she continues unswervingly.

Dawnfrom Pakistan – The country’s oldest daily newspaper is the only one that continues to resist military rule. Its distribution was banned during the 2018 elections. This year the government instructed advertisers not to publish ads with Dawn.

Amadou Vamoulkéfrom Cameroon – The journalist headed state radio for nine years and repeatedly spoke out against the government’s monopoly on television coverage and the criminalization of media workers. In 2016, he was arrested for allegedly wasting millions in public funding.

Confidencialfrom Nicaragua – The independent weekly has made a name for itself with its investigative research and in-depth analysis of the political system – but also many enemies. After several death threats, editor Carlos Fernando Chamorrofled to Costa Rica to work from there.

PRIZES AWARDED FOR THE 27TH TIME

The Press Freedom Awards were presented for the first time in 1992 and then annually in France. In 2018, the ceremony was held in London for the first time. On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the German section is organizing this year’s event.

“We are delighted that Berlin is hosting the Press Freedom Awards. It is a great pleasure for us to honour intrepid journalists from all over the world and to welcome some of them here with us,”says RSF Germany’s Board Spokesman Michael Rediske. “The awards are a signal to repressive regimes that the work of courageous women and men is perceived worldwide and that we don’t leave those being threatened, harassed and imprisoned alone.”

The winners will be announced on 12 September at the Kammerspiele of the Deutsches Theater in Berlin. The winners will be chosen by a jury consisting of the international Emeritus Board and the presidents of all sections of Reporters Without Borders.

TV5Monde, the historical partner of the Press Freedom Awards, is sponsoring the entire event and will present the Prize for Independence.

The Prize for Courage, will be supported by mail service provider posteo, the media company Intan sponsors the Prize for Impact.