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June 03, 2025 – General –
The European Union, together with the Samir Kassir Foundation, celebrated the 20th edition of the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press. The ceremony took place at the historic Sursock Palace Gardens in Beirut, Lebanon. Established in 2006 to honor the memory of Lebanese journalist Samir Kassir, the award recognizes courageous and outstanding journalism in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf region.
This year, the award highlighted the exceptional work of three journalists from Palestine, Egypt, and Syria, whose reporting shed light on critical and often underreported issues in their respective countries.
From Palestine, Badar Salem received the award for her opinion piece titled “The Normalization of Resilience in Gaza.” Published on the Romanian platform, her article explores the complex nature of resilience among Gazans living under prolonged hardship and conflict, portraying the human capacity to endure despite ongoing struggles.
Egyptian journalist Marina Milad was recognized for her investigative article focusing on Syrian women imprisoned by the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Milad’s in-depth reporting uncovers the severe human rights abuses and personal stories of suffering faced by these women, offering a rare and powerful insight into their plight.
A Syrian journalist was also honored for her compelling video report that visually documented the dire humanitarian and social conditions in Syria. Her work provided a poignant and immediate perspective on the ongoing crisis, amplifying voices often unheard in international media.
The Samir Kassir Award remains an important platform supporting press freedom and highlighting the vital role journalists play in promoting transparency, accountability, and human rights, often at great personal risk. The 2025 ceremony reinforced the significance of free and independent journalism in the region and recognized the bravery and dedication of journalists committed to telling difficult truths.
Through this award, the European Union and its partners continue to encourage and support the essential work of journalists who shine a light on critical issues affecting societies across the Middle East and North Africa.
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