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Summary

The International Press Institute has awarded the late Independent Arabia correspondent Mariam Abu Daqqa the 'World Press Freedom Hero' prize in recognition of her sacrifices covering the war in Gaza, where she was killed by an Israeli strike last August, condemning the lack of action to hold those responsible for her murder accountable.

The International Press Institute and the International Media Support organization announced in a statement on Thursday that the late Independent Arabia correspondent in Gaza, Mariam Abu Daqqa, has been awarded the 'World Press Freedom Hero' prize, honoring her courage and steadfastness in defending press freedom, after she was killed by an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza last August.

The Palestinian Abu Daqqa was chosen to win the annual prize along with six journalists from Georgia, the United States, Peru, Hong Kong, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, who continued their journalistic work despite imprisonment, repression, and attempts to silence their voices, according to the statement.

The award statement mourned photojournalist Mariam Abu Daqqa, noting that she 'repeatedly risked her life to document the ongoing atrocities in Gaza with her images,' adding that her murder, for which no one has been held accountable, embodies the increasingly dangerous conditions faced by Gaza journalists who endure targeted attacks, displacement, and starvation.

The editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia, Adhwan Al-Ahmari, expressed his gratitude for the International Press Institute's award being dedicated to the late Mariam Abu Daqqa, saying, 'Our departed colleague was known for her courage, sincerity, and dedication to her journalistic mission, and she conveyed to the world a truthful image of the suffering of civilians and their humanitarian conditions in one of the most difficult and dangerous environments.'

He affirmed that Mariam Abu Daqqa 'was an example of a free journalist who considers truth a trust and a mission, and she paid with her life for this noble profession.' He added that her message 'will remain alive in our work, and we continue to convey the truth and defend press freedom no matter the challenges.'

Meanwhile, the executive editor of the Associated Press, Julie Pace, said, 'Mariam produced powerful photos and videos that documented the lives of Palestinians facing unprecedented challenges, including families displaced from their homes and doctors treating wounded children suffering from malnutrition. We remain deeply saddened by her loss, and we continue our efforts to get answers to ensure the protection of journalists covering this war.'

In addition to Mariam Abu Daqqa, the list included Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchina, who was detained by Russian authorities and died in custody on September 19, 2024, while the two award-organizing bodies stressed the need to strengthen protection for journalists working in conflict zones.

The list of honorees for the 2025 award also included Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia, Martin Baron from the United States, Gustavo Gorriti from Peru, Jimmy Lai from Hong Kong, and Tsvalem Woldes from Ethiopia.

The 'World Press Freedom Hero' award is presented annually by the International Press Institute in partnership with International Media Support, honoring journalists who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to press freedom.

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The awards ceremony will take place on October 24 at the University of Vienna during the International Press Institute's World Congress and Media Innovation Festival.

For his part, the institute's executive director, Scott Griffin, said, 'As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the institute, we honor seven journalists who have made enormous sacrifices in defense of press freedom, some of whom paid with their lives. These heroes represent the true picture of the challenges facing the media today amid rising authoritarianism. Through their stories, we can chart a path toward a future that protects a free press for generations to come.'

The International Press Institute has awarded the 'World Press Freedom Hero' prize to more than 75 journalists around the world since its launch in 2015, in partnership with International Media Support, and last year it was dedicated to honoring Palestinian journalists covering the war in Gaza.

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