The immense sacrifices made by journalists in the line of duty were formally recognized at the International Press Institute’s (IPI) annual congress in Vienna, Austria. Seven courageous journalists were honored with the 2025 Press Freedom Heroes Award, poignantly led by the martyred Palestinian journalist, Maryam Abu Daqa.
The award was given to Abu Daqa posthumously. She was killed by the Israeli army on August 25 while actively performing her duties.
She was one of two journalists honored after their deaths this year. Ukraine’s Viktoriia Roshchyna was also recognized posthumously, highlighting the profound risks taken by reporters who sacrificed their lives to document the truth in conflict zones.
Other global recipients of the 2025 award include Jimmy Lai of Hong Kong, Martin Baron of the USA, Gustavo Gorriti of Peru, Mzia Amaglobeli of Georgia, and Tesfalem Waldyes of Ethiopia.
Participants at the congress paid deep tribute to all journalists who have made the ultimate sacrifice for press freedom, affirming a collective commitment that their struggle for truth will not be forgotten.
