VIENNA — The late Mariam Abu Daqa, an Independent Arabia correspondent who was killed during an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in southern Gaza last August, has been posthumously named one of this year’s “World Press Freedom Heroes” by the International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS).
The award, announced on Thursday, recognizes journalists who have demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment to press freedom under the most perilous circumstances. Abu Daqa was selected alongside six other journalists from Georgia, the United States, Peru, Hong Kong, Ukraine, and Ethiopia all of whom continued their work despite imprisonment, censorship, or violent repression.
In its statement, IPI described Mariam Abu Daqa as a “symbol of resilience and truth,” honoring her for repeatedly risking her life to document the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. “Her killing for which no one has been held accountable reflects the increasingly deadly environment faced by journalists in Gaza, who endure targeted attacks, forced displacement, and even starvation,” the statement read.
Othman Al Omeir, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Arabia, paid tribute to Abu Daqa’s bravery and dedication, calling her “a journalist who treated truth as both a mission and a responsibility.” He said, “Mariam embodied courage, loyalty, and professionalism. Through her lens, she showed the world the suffering of civilians in one of the most dangerous reporting zones on earth. She was a free journalist in every sense one who gave her life for the truth.”
Julie Pace, Executive Editor of the Associated Press, also reflected on Abu Daqa’s legacy, describing her as a journalist who “produced deeply moving photos and videos of Palestinians enduring unimaginable hardship from displaced families to doctors treating malnourished children.” Pace added, “We continue to mourn her loss and remain committed to seeking accountability and ensuring journalists’ safety in conflict zones.”
The 2025 list of World Press Freedom Heroes also includes:
- Victoria Roshchyna (Ukraine) – detained by Russian forces and later confirmed dead in custody in September 2024.
- Mazja Amaglobali (Georgia) – for defying state repression.
- Martin Baron (United States) – the former editor of The Washington Post, recognized for his lifelong defense of journalistic integrity.
- Gustavo Gorriti (Peru) – for his investigative reporting against corruption.
- Jimmy Lai (Hong Kong) – imprisoned media entrepreneur and founder of Apple Daily.
- Tsefalem Waldyes (Ethiopia) – for his work under constant government harassment.
The annual award will be presented on October 24 at the University of Vienna, during the World Congress of the International Press Institute and the Media Innovation Festival.
IPI Executive Director Scott Griffen said this year’s honorees reflect “the courage and sacrifice that define journalism at its best.” He added, “As the Institute marks its 75th anniversary, we celebrate seven individuals who stood firm in defense of press freedom some even paying the ultimate price. Their stories remind us that truth-telling remains one of humanity’s greatest acts of defiance.”
Since its inception in 2015, the World Press Freedom Hero Award has recognized over 75 journalists worldwide. Last year, the award specifically honored Palestinian reporters covering the war in Gaza a testament, IPI said, to “the unbreakable spirit of journalists who keep the world informed, even from the darkest of places.”
