- Egyptian online newspaper Mada Masr receives a joint British-Canadian award for outstanding commitment to quality independent journalism
- The newspaper continued to report, even though its website was shut down and its reporters were threatened by court orders
- Signal the continued commitment of the UK and Canada to support free and independent journalism
The Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award 2023 was presented today to the independent Egyptian online newspaper Mada Masr for its outstanding commitment to quality independent journalism. The newspaper continued to report, even though its website was shut down and its reporters were threatened by court orders. This award signals Canada’s and the UK’s continued commitment to supporting free and independent journalism.
Since its inception almost ten years ago, the online newspaper has been known for its relentless commitment to quality journalism, despite external pressures. The newspaper has held its ground despite its website being blocked in Egypt and its journalists, including editor-in-chief Lina Attalah, facing court charges.
The award was presented during the Media Freedom Coalition’s fourth event in New York by James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Robert Rae, Canadian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
Established in 2020 between Canada and the UK, the Media Freedom Awards recognize those who have championed freedom of expression and democracy. Mada Masr is Egypt’s leading independent media company and is known for its free reporting in Egypt and throughout the Middle East.
James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York said:
“Today, more than ever, journalists are on the front lines of the fight to uphold democratic freedoms and the Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award continues to recognize those who work tirelessly to promote and protect freedom of expression.
“I am pleased to recognize the work of editor Lina Attalah and her team in upholding these ideals despite considerable pressure. I hope independent media around the world will take this as a signal that we will always support them.”
Bob Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York said:
“Freedom of the media is central to democratic societies and essential to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It takes courage and conviction to be among those on the front lines of defending our human rights and opposing attempts to undermine them.
“Today I am honored to present the Canada-UK Media Freedom Award to Lina Attalah, Editor-in-Chief of Mada Masr, and her team, who remain committed to promoting independent journalism in Egypt and the Middle East.”
As the 2023 winner, Mada Masr joins former Canada-UK Media Freedom Prize laureates, Vietnamese journalist Pham Doang Trang, who was named the 2022 winner, and the 2020 Belarusian Association of Journalists winner.
Journalists working for democracy and human rights need to be protected, and continued coordinated engagement to ensure media freedom helps highlight their courageous work around the world, from Myanmar to Russia and Afghanistan.
The announcement of the third Canadian-British Media Freedom Award comes ahead of the UN World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd.
Notes for editors: