2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero Award Ceremony

The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) will officially present the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero Award to seven journalists who have shown exceptional bravery in the face of persecution, conflict, and censorship. The ceremony is a central moment in this year’s global press freedom calendar, spotlighting individual courage as a force for accountability and truth.

This year’s honourees include:

• Mzia Amaglobeli (Georgia), co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has fought for independent journalism through legal and political harassment.
• Martin Baron (United States), a veteran newsroom leader whose commitment to investigative journalism has shaped international media standards.
• Mariam Abu Dagga (Gaza, posthumous), a photojournalist killed in an Israeli strike, is remembered for documenting the human toll of war.
• Gustavo Gorriti (Peru), renowned for investigative work at IDL-Reporteros, often faces threats for exposing corruption.
• Jimmy Lai (Hong Kong), imprisoned media founder and symbol of press resistance under national security laws.
• Victoria Roshchyna (Ukraine, posthumous), whose reporting from occupied territories cost her life in Russian detention.
• Tesfalem Waldyes (Ethiopia), an editor who has persisted through arrests, harassment, and exile to keep the truth alive.

The event pays tribute to journalists who, despite grave risks, have stood firm in their mission to inform the world. By amplifying their stories, the award reaffirms that press freedom is a global struggle—and a shared responsibility.

The ceremony will bring together journalists, rights advocates, and international institutions in recognition of the essential role of independent media in defending human rights and democracy worldwide.

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Seven distinguished journalists named recipients of the 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero award