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November 29, 2025 – Canada/Iraq/Kurdistan –
A reporter with New Canadian Media has been awarded a prestigious prize by PEN Canada, highlighting international solidarity with persecuted media and reaffirming the global importance of press freedom. The honour comes amid growing concern for journalists worldwide who face threats to their safety simply for practicing their profession.
In a separate but related move, Iraqi Kurdish activist and writer Diary Marif was named the recipient of the 2025 Marie‑Ange Garrigue Prize after his committed efforts to defend imprisoned Kurdish reporters — among them Sherwan Sherwani — in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Through fundraising for their legal defence, arranging safe houses for families, and mounting sustained campaigns calling for their release, Marif’s work has drawn global attention to the plight of journalists under repression.
PEN Canada described Marif’s efforts as “indefatigable.” He is scheduled to formally receive the award during the annual PEN Canada Awards Night in Toronto on November 28, 2025. The Marie-Ange Garrigue Prize is reserved for individuals who offer substantial support to writers and journalists facing harassment or imprisonment.
For New Canadian Media, the recognition underscores the commitment of diasporic and immigrant-led journalism initiatives to covering marginalized voices and global injustices — work that often carries risk even when done far from conflict zones.
Together, these honours paint a picture not only of bravery and resilience among journalists and advocates but also of an expanding international network determined to defend the right to free expression. They reaffirm that even in circumstances of extreme danger or exile, solidarity and persistence can help protect journalists who refuse to be silenced.
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