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February 03, 2026 – General –
Two journalists recognised for their courage and dedication to press freedom have been named winners at the Free Press Awards 2025, an annual programme organised by Free Press Unlimited that celebrates exceptional journalism and defends media freedom globally. The awards ceremony, held in late 2025, honoured a Sudanese war correspondent as Newcomer of the Year and a wrongfully imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist for their outstanding commitment to independent reporting under extreme pressure.
The Newcomer of the Year accolade was awarded to **Abdelrahim Ahmed (Abdelrahim Al-Dabang)*, a Sudanese war reporter whose frontline coverage during the ongoing conflict in Sudan has brought rare, verified insight from some of the most dangerous regions of the country. Through eyewitness accounts, video dispatches, and eyewitness testimony, Abdelrahim has documented civilian suffering, displacement, and human rights abuses — often at great personal risk and with limited resources. Free Press Unlimited praised his work for its depth, clarity, and relentless pursuit of truth despite threats and instability.
Abdelrahim’s reporting has been circulated widely across independent platforms, helping international audiences understand the human impact of persistent fighting between rival armed groups and government forces. His ability to convey complex events with nuanced context and human stories was cited by judges as a standout example of journalism that amplifies unheard voices and counteracts misinformation.
The Press Freedom Award was also bestowed on Aysel Mustafayeva, an Azerbaijani journalist who was wrongfully imprisoned on politically motivated charges tied to her investigative reporting on corruption and governance issues. Mustafayeva — released earlier in 2025 after considerable international advocacy — was recognised for her perseverance in the face of state repression and for her continued commitment to independent journalism following her detention and legal harassment. Free Press Unlimited highlighted her case as emblematic of broader challenges faced by journalists in restrictive environments, where reporting the truth can lead to severe reprisals.
At the awards event, speakers underscored the importance of defending press freedom and protecting journalists working under dangerous conditions or in jurisdictions where judicial systems are used to suppress dissent. Representatives from media rights organisations reaffirmed their support for journalists globally, emphasising ongoing threats to free expression and the essential role of journalism in holding power to account.
In her acceptance remarks, Mustafayeva called for strengthened international solidarity and more robust mechanisms to ensure that journalists can report without fear of arbitrary detention or retaliation. Abdelrahim used his platform to draw attention to the continuing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, appealing for increased global awareness and assistance.
The Free Press Awards 2025 highlight journalism’s enduring impact and the resilience of reporters who persist in uncovering critical stories despite threats, conflict, and political repression. Free Press Unlimited continues to support awardees and advocate for press freedom as a cornerstone of democratic societies.
Reference –
Sudanese Journalist Wins Prestigious Dutch Press Freedom Award
Free Press Awards 2025: Sudanese war reporter wins Newcomer of the Year
