By James Simons-
Egyptian Online Newspaper Mada Masr has won an award for independent journalism. The newspaper continued to report, amidst a takedown of their website and legal threats to its reporters. This award signals Canada and the UK’s enduring commitment to supporting free and indeThe 2023 Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award has been presented today to independent Egyptian online newspaper Mada Masr for its extraordinary commitment to high-qualitypendent journalism.inde
Since its inception almost ten years ago, the online newspaper has been recognised for its unyielding commitment to high-quality journalism despite external pressures. The paper has stood their ground despite having their website blocked in Egypt, and its journalists, including Editor-in-Chief Lina Attalah, facing legal charges.
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The award has been presented during the fourth Media Freedom Coalition event in New York, by James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Robert Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York.
Established in 2020, the Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom award recognises those who have championed freedom of speech and democracy. Mada Masr is Egypt’s leading independent media outlet and is known for its free news coverage in Egypt and across the wider Middle East.
The award recognizes Mada Masr’s commitment to independent journalism and its efforts to report on issues of public interest in Egypt despite facing significant challenges and obstacles.
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Mada Masr was founded in 2013 by a group of young journalists and writers who were frustrated with the lack of independent media in Egypt. Since its inception, the outlet has become a leading source of news and analysis on politics, human rights, and social issues in the country. Mada Masr’s reporting has been praised for its depth, accuracy, and commitment to holding those in power accountable.
There are several reasons why Mada Masr has won this prestigious award for independent journalism. Firstly, the outlet has consistently demonstrated a commitment to reporting on issues of public interest in Egypt, despite facing significant obstacles and challenges. This includes reporting on
The outlet is credited forreporting on sensitive topics that other media outlets in Egypt may shy away from. Its journalists are known for their rigorous fact-checking and attention to detail, and they often go to great lengths to ensure that their reporting is accurate and impartial.
Mada Masr’s reporting often focuses on issues related to transparency and accountability in government and other institutions. The outlet has played a crucial role in exposing corruption and other abuses of power in Egypt, and its reporting has led to significant reforms and changes in policy. For example, Mada Masr’s reporting on the issue of police brutality in Egypt helped to spark a national conversation about the need for reform in the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Mada Masr is a strong advocate for freedom of the press in Egypt and has consistently pushed back against efforts to suppress independent media in the country. The outlet has faced numerous legal challenges and other forms of harassment from the Egyptian government, but it has remained steadfast in its commitment to reporting on issues of public interest and promoting transparency and accountability in government.
Mada Masr has a strong reputation both locally and internationally:
Mada Masr is widely respected both in Egypt and around the world for its high-quality journalism and commitment to independent media. The outlet has won numerous awards and accolades for its reporting, and its journalists are often invited to speak at conferences and other events on issues related to press freedom and independent media.
Mada Masr’s award for independent journalism is well-deserved. The outlet’s
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James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, said:
“Today, more than ever before, journalists are on the frontline of the battle to uphold democratic freedoms and the Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award continues to recognise those who work tirelessly to promote and protect free speech.
“I’m delighted to honour the work of editor Lina Attalah and her team, who have upheld those ideals amidst significant pressure. I hope that independent media outlets 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:
“Media freedom 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 frontlines advocating for our human rights and defending against efforts to undermine them.
“Today I am honoured to present the Canada-UK Media Freedom Award to Editor-in-Chief of Mada Masr, Lina Attalah and her team, who remain fierce advocates for independent journalism in Egypt and the wider Middle East.”
As the 2023 winner, Mada Masr joins former Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award recipients, Vietnamese journalist Pham Doang Trang, who was named as winner in 2022, and 2020 winner the Belarusian Association of Journalists.
Journalists who champion democracy and human rights need to be protected and continued coordinated commitment to ensuring media freedom is helping to highlight their brave work around the world, from Myanmar to Russia and Afghanistan.
The announcement of the third Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award comes ahead of UN World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.
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