By Elah Geofrey with reports from CPJ
Four inspiring journalists from Cameroon, Mexico, Thailand, and Yemen will be honored with the Committee to Protect Journalists’ 2017 International Press Freedom Awards, an annual recognition of courageous journalism.
Amongst the awardees is Cameroonian Ahmed Abba, a correspondent for Radio France Internationale’s Hausa service who has been in prison for over three years for reporting on attacks carried out by the extremist group, Boko Haram.
One other awardee was detained twice by military officials and charged with sedition
According to CPJ, the awardees have covered the news at great risk, including retribution from political leaders, and two have had to flee their homes because of death threats..
CPJ will also present broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff, the managing editor of “PBS NewsHour,” with the Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award for her work in advancing press freedom and strengthening the role of women journalists worldwide. CPJ will present the Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award annually to an individual who has shown extraordinary and sustained achievement in the cause of press freedom. Originally the Burton Benjamin Memorial Award, it was renamed in 2017 to honor the veteran journalist and former CPJ board member who died in late 2016.
The awards dinner will take place on November 15, 2017 and will be hosted by Christiane Amanpour, chief international correspondent for CNN and CPJ senior advisor.
Award Winners: Ahmed Abba, a correspondent for Radio France Internationale’s Hausa service; Patricia Mayorga, a correspondent for the Mexico City-based newsmagazine Proceso;Pravit Rojanaphruk, a critical reporter and press freedom advocate in Thailand; and Afrah Nasser, a Yemeni independent reporter and blogger who lives in exile. Judy Woodruff will be honored with CPJ’s inaugural Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award.