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This article was first published on our sister site, Independent Arab
independent arab Received the World Press Freedom Hero Award from Gaza reporter, Late Maryam Abu DakkaDuring an event organized by the International Press Institute (IPI) in Vienna in partnership with International Media Support (IMS). Abu Dakka was killed an israeli attack in southern Gaza in August.
Award details paid Homage As for the Palestinian photojournalist and reporter, he said they “repeatedly risked their lives to document the ongoing atrocities in Gaza”. It says her murder, for which no one has been held responsible, reflects the dangerous conditions journalists The Gaza Strip faces targeted attacks, including displacement and starvation.
During IPI’s 75th Anniversary World Congress celebration at the University of Vienna, organizers showed a video message from Mariam’s father Riyad Abu Dakka, who thanked IPI for honoring his daughter. “I want the whole world to remember Mary,” he said. “I miss her every day, every moment. Losing her has been very painful for our family.” He said that Maryam was often burdened with work and always tried to be the first to cover the incidents as they came. “She was a very strong and dynamic woman who was loved by everyone in the journalism world,” he said.
independent arabHadi Torfi, assistant editor-in-chief, received the award on behalf of Maryam’s family and the newsroom team. In his address, Torfi shared that the family wanted to attend the ceremony in person and honor their daughter, but could not due to the ongoing blockade of Gaza and border closure. “Mariam’s story constantly reminds us that press freedom is not a privilege, but a responsibility that must be protected for everyone, everywhere,” he said, reiterating the organizing institutions’ urgent call to strengthen protections for journalists working in conflict zones.
The World Press Freedom Hero Award is presented annually to journalists who have shown tremendous courage and resilience in fighting for media freedom and the free flow of news.
Along with Abu Dakka, Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchina was also honored posthumously. Roshchina was detained by Russian authorities and died in custody on September 19, 2024.
The 2025 award winners also included Maziya Amaglobeli from Georgia, Martin Baron from the United States, Gustavo Gorriti from Peru, Jimmy Lai from Hong Kong and Tesfalem Valdes from Ethiopia.
Translated by Ali Charafeddine; reviewed by celine asaf